The Sick Children’s Trust was awarded £2,820 earlier this year by The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund to support the running costs of the charity’s Acorn House ‘Home from Home’.
The grant helps cover the day-to-day costs of operating the 15-room ‘port in a storm’ housing, which provides beds, comfort, compassion, and a sense of normality during some of the most difficult and challenging moments a family could face.
Located next to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Acorn House offers a warm and welcoming place to stay, free of cost, to families with a child in intensive care, enabling them to stay just minutes away from the ward.
Richard Stainthorpe, Communications Manager at The Sick Children’s Trust, said:
“Every contribution makes a real difference. It costs us around £40 a night to support each family staying at Acorn House, and we rely entirely on charitable donations to offer this service free of charge."
"For families who find themselves suddenly navigating the stress of their child being in intensive care, having a place just five minutes from the hospital is invaluable. It gives them space to breathe, sleep, and momentarily step away from the relentless environment of the ward.
“Support like this from The Cambridge Building Society allows us to keep our doors open and continue to be a sanctuary for families when they need it most.”
The Sick Children’s Trust supports families across the UK through ten ‘Homes from Home’, with Acorn House being a critical resource for those seeking hospital care in Cambridge.
Katie Robinson, Community Engagement Specialist at The Cambridge, said
“Acorn House offers more than just proximity to the hospital; it offers peace of mind and emotional support to parents during the most frightening times of their lives.
“We are proud to support The Sick Children’s Trust and the essential work they do, and we encourage other good causes to consider applying for our next round of grants when applications open in August.”
Grant applications can be made twice a year via the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. The first application window runs from February to May, and the second from August to November.
Earlier this year, Cambridge Women’s Aid, Cambridge and District Citizens Advice (CDCA), Making Space, Wintercomfort and The Sick Children’s Trust were awarded a combined £32,000 through The Cambridge Building Society’s Community Fund initiative.
Find out more about The Sick Children's Trust by visiting www.sickchildrenstrust.org
To learn more about The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund, eligibility and how to apply, visit: www.cambscf.org.uk/the-cambridge-building-society-community-fund
Image : Hayley Peck, House Manager and Richard Stainthorpe, Communications Manager at The Sick Children’s Trust
