Made by a PURA parent in the UK. Information only, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.

Respite, short breaks & hospices

Caring is a marathon. Short breaks, hospices and family charities are there to help the whole family, not only at the end of life.

Read next: How to ask your council for short breaks (respite) and a carer's assessment

Guide · last reviewed 1 November 2026 · information only, not medical advice

Children's hospices are about living well

Many children's hospices support families of children with complex conditions for years, with short breaks, care at home and sibling support. Together for Short Lives is the UK-wide charity for these services. One PURA family has shared how Julia's House supported them with physiotherapy equipment, applications to other charities and care for the mum herself. Eligibility and areas covered vary, so contact your local hospice.

Short breaks from your council

In England, councils must provide short breaks for carers of disabled children. GOV.UK guidance explains how. Ask your council's disabled children's team about its short breaks offer. Contact can help you understand your options.

Sources

12 listings

✓ PURA-experienced

Julia's House

Children's hospice charity in Dorset and Wiltshire offering care at home, in the community and at its hospices. It has published a PURA family's story describing its support.

Children's hospice · Dorset & Wiltshire, England · checked 2026-11-01

Acorns Children's Hospice

Helps families caring for seriously ill children. Check the website for the areas it covers.

Children's hospice · UK-wide · checked 2026-11-01

Carers Trust

Charity supporting unpaid carers, working through local carer services.

Charity · UK-wide · checked 2026-11-01

Demelza

Hospice care for children with serious or life-limiting conditions. Check the website for the areas it covers.

Children's hospice · UK-wide · checked 2026-11-01

Helen & Douglas House

Children's hospice in Oxford.

Children's hospice · Oxford, England · checked 2026-11-01

Naomi and Jack's

Hospice in Winchester providing care for seriously ill babies, children and young adults.

Children's hospice · Winchester, England · checked 2026-11-01

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity

Emotional and practical support for families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

Charity · UK-wide · checked 2026-11-01

Shooting Star Children's Hospices

Supports babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Children's hospice · UK-wide · checked 2026-11-01

Together for Short Lives

UK-wide charity for children living with serious illness and the services that support them, including children's hospices.

Charity · UK-wide · checked 2026-11-01

WellChild

National charity helping seriously ill children and young people thrive at home.

Charity · UK-wide · checked 2026-11-01

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Questions families ask

Is a hospice only for end-of-life care?

No. Many children's hospices offer short breaks and family support for children with life-limiting or complex conditions over many years. Each hospice sets its own criteria.

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