An update on Forget Me Not’s financial position

An update on Forget Me Not’s financial position

Watch our CEO’s video message here.

In December last year, we announced that we were facing significant challenges due to increasing costs and uncertain government funding. We made the difficult decision to reduce our annual costs as well as launching an urgent appeal to help close the gap in our finances.

We needed to take action to help protect the future of the vital services that families rely on.

Over the four months since that announcement, we have:

• Reduced our costs, including by making changes to our operating and service model
• Received commitments from the government to renew the children’s hospice funding grant in the year 2025/26, as well as one-off financial support for capital expenditure
• Been overwhelmed by amazing support from our local community, which has helped us raise an incredible £400,000 for our appeal!

As a result, we enter the new financial year in a much stronger position. While we’ll continue to look for opportunities to save money, by reviewing vacancies etc, we’re working hard to make sure that we continue to deliver the best possible support to families within the funding available.

A big thank you to everyone who has supported us during this hugely difficult period. It really means the world that our community has stood alongside us throughout – fundraising, campaigning, and shouting our story from the rooftops. Thanks to your continued support, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice remains a lifeline for families experiencing unimaginable challenges, so that no family has to face the loss of their child alone.

Of course, we still only receive a small proportion of the funds we need from statutory sources and the children’s hospice grant is only guaranteed for the next year. So, as a charity, we continue to rely almost entirely on the support and generosity of the public to help fund the vital services we provide to children and families.

Supporting us in a sustainable way, such as by making a monthly donation, becoming a corporate partner, or leaving us a gift in your will, will help us protect the future of Forget Me Not, now and in the years to come.

Meanwhile, the challenge we face is far from over. Our priority now is to put the charity on a firmer footing while continuing to push for a long-term, sustainable funding model for children’s hospices.

You can find lots of ways to support us here.