Bristol Children’s Charity awarded £10,000 National Lottery funding

Bristol-based children’s hospice charity Jessie May has received £10,000 of funding from The Big Lottery Fund.

The charity, which provides nursing care at home for terminally ill children and young people, has been awarded the grant for their ‘Let’s Talk Transition’ programme of work. The programme is dedicated to supporting life-limited children who outlive their initial prognosis and need help in the transition period from Jessie May to adult services, across North Somerset, North East Somerset, Wiltshire, Bath, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

The funding will enable ‘Let’s Talk Transition’ to bring young people together for a number of events where they can connect with each other, share stories, and be part of a supportive community. The programme will also run a number of graduation days to mark the phenomenal achievement of young people transitioning from Jessie May’s care.

The National Lottery grant will also help pay for training on a range of issues around how to support young adults, as well as a number of support visits for families whose children are about to transition to adult care services. These visits could include arranging an introductory visit to day care centres, help with filling out forms, financial advice and signposting to other agencies.

Jessie May CEO Chris Roys said: “Thanks to advances in medical technology, more life-limited children are outliving their initial prognosis and transitioning to adulthood. Jessie May has seen a marked increase in the number of young people reaching 19, the age of transition, with six young people due to graduate from Jessie May in 2018 and 31 young people on our caseload aged 14-19 who could graduate in the next five years.

“This incredible amount of funding means we can support more young people who are approaching the age of transition and ensure these young adults are able to fulfil their full potential, within the limitations of their health.”

“Jessie May continues to make a huge difference to children and their families’ lives, giving the vital support needed at absolutely no cost. We aim to ensure that the children have the very best quality of life possible, and all of us at Jessie May are so thankful to the National Lottery for supporting us in this way.”

James Harcourt, England Grant-Making Director at the Big Lottery Fund, said: “It’s thanks to National Lottery players that inspiring groups like this can provide a place for young people to come together and share their experiences. We’re proud to be funding Jessie May’s work as they continue to support young people to fulfil their potential.”

Currently Jessie May Nurses provide vital respite care, emotional support, end of life care, and bereavement support alongside family events, working throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, North East Somerset, Wiltshire and Bath.

The Big Lottery Fund distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes. Last year it awarded over £164 million to projects across the UK supporting children and young people. 

Jessie May cares for children with terminal illness within their own homes throughout Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, North East Somerset, Wiltshire and Bath. It costs around £1,400,000 to provide this care yearly and the charity is almost entirely dependent on public support.