Miss Marylynne Lock

What we do at Acorns Children’s Hospice

A parent never imagines their child will be diagnosed with a life limiting or life threatening condition. But when the unimaginable happens, Acorns steps in, helping families cope at every stage of their child’s life and beyond, wherever and whenever they need it. The need for children’s hospice care never stops which is why we are here to provide specialist palliative care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

At Acorns our dedicated team offers psychological, emotional and practical support. Our team of health and social care professionals provide a range of services, including bereavement support and advocacy, as well as a number of dedicated support groups, helping to reduce the isolation some families can face.

Making every day count 

At Acorns we understand that family time is precious when a child’s life is limited, and we support families in any way we can to create lasting memories.

Our tailored care includes complex medical care, emergency and end of life care, short breaks and emotional and practical support. Every family is different, which is why our holistic package of care is tailored to meet the individual needs of each child and family, including cultural, religious and spiritual needs.

Our Care

Our hospices provide a happy home from home environment where children can take part in a variety of fun and therapeutic activities, from arts and crafts sessions to hydrotherapy. There are also chances for them to meet new friends or relax and enjoy some quiet time. Acorns is proud to have cared for over 780 children in the past year and supported more than 1,220 family members across the West Midlands, including those who are bereaved. We understand the impact on the whole family, which is why we provide support to parents and carers, siblings and grandparents.

We are a small, cat rescue charity, founded in the 1960s. Our rescue centre is based in the picturesque village of Welford on Avon in South Warwickshire, although our activities extend to neighbouring counties. 

In the 1960s, Marjorie Palin began to bring stray cats and dogs back to her home in Welford on Avon, South Warwickshire.  Her aim: to save these animals from the certain fate that awaited them, that of euthanasia.  From this woman’s early endeavours, Avon Cat Rescue was born.

Over the years, Mrs Palin converted her garden to a centre for the homing of just cats, relinquishing the stray dogs to another homing charity.  Gradually, the lawn tennis court became the site of a variety of pens that today offers heated accommodation to over ninety cats.

For many years now, Mrs Palin’s daughter, Rosemary Spicer, has run Avon Cat Rescue.  In August 2014 Rosemary took the decision to convert the then privately-owned Avon Cat Rescue to a charity that is registered with the Charities Commission in England & Wales.  On 15 June 2015 Avon Cat Rescue began a new era as a registered charity.