PLEASE NOTE ANY DONATIONS THROUGH THIS SITE'S  'SUPPORT PETITION' FEATURE DO NOT GO TO ACORNS.  CLICK HERE IF YOU WISH TO DONATE TO THE SAVE ACORNS WALSALL APPEAL: https://www.acorns.org.uk/appeal/ On the 4th June 2019, Acorns Children's Hospice shared their proposal to close down their hospice in Walsall. This came as devastating news to the 233 families who currently receive care and support there, as well as staff facing redundancy and to the wider community. The closure has been put on hold until November and an official campaign to keep it open has begun. The government's decision to roll out the Children's Hospice Grant has given more security to the long term funding picture but there is still a shortfall, particularly in the next few years as the grant is being phased in. Acorns Walsall is a fabulous facility offering home from home care to children with life limiting or life threatening conditions.  As well as end of life care, it provides much needed respite to families who otherwise wouldn't have access to this level of care. My daughter has been under the care of Acorns Walsall for years and I can testify what a lifeline this has been to our whole family.   The prospect of this hospice having to close and for existing families to use services in Birmingham or Worcester is deeply worrying.  Many families are unable to travel.  There is a need for this service in the Black Country area and prime time holiday/ weekend bookings are already in high demand.  Services will be more stretched for all families supported by Acorns Children's Hospice if Walsall closes.   There is something special about Acorns Walsall.  It isn't just a building.  It is all the dedicated staff and volunteers.  The relationships that have developed with families over the years.  Friendships. A garden filled with memorials to children who have passed away.  That is not the sort of thing that can be replicated. It is vital to so many that Acorns Walsall can remain open and continue it's brilliant work to families in the Black Country.