Homebuilder supports Julia’s House children’s hospice charity

Housebuilder Barratt Homes Bristol has donated £1,500 to Julia’s House – a dedicated children’s hospice charity that provides life-changing care for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions in Wiltshire and Dorset.

Julia’s House focuses not just on end-of-life care but on giving families the vital support they need to cope with the relentless pressures of caring for a seriously ill child – offering both practical and emotional care, often over many years.

Through a team of highly trained nurses and carers, the charity offers regular respite sessions in the family home, in the community or at their hospices – including their purpose-built centre in Devizes. 

These sessions give parents the time and peace of mind to rest, spend time with siblings or simply complete everyday tasks, while knowing their child is in safe, compassionate and expert hands.

Jo Common, Business Development and Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “All our care costs are rising, along with the demand for our care, so each year we need to raise more money to ensure we can be there for every family that needs us. 

"Continued support from existing supporters, as well as increasing the number of local people and businesses who support and donate to us, couldn’t be more vital. 

"Therefore, without support like this from Barratt Homes, we would not be able to continue to provide our lifeline of care.  So, thank you Barratt Homes for this wonderful donation to help us be there for the seriously ill local children and families who rely on our support.” 

 Julia’s House was established more than 20 years ago by Julia Perks, a paediatric nurse in Dorset who saw the desperate need for dedicated children’s palliative care. Since then, it has grown to become a lifeline for families across Dorset and Wiltshire, with a Wiltshire hospice opening in 2017 to serve one of the largest rural counties in England.

The charity tailors its care to each family’s individual circumstances – from respite and emergency care to end-of-life support, play therapy and bereavement care. Their services are free to families and are not means-tested, meaning anyone who needs support can access it.

The gift of £1,500 could fund three expert nurse-led care sessions for a child at home that enables the rest of the family to have a much-needed break and spend time together or just have a sleep.

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes Bristol, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support Julia’s House and the extraordinary work they do for families in Wiltshire and Dorset. 

"The care they offer goes far beyond medical support – it’s about giving families moments of calm, dignity and even joy in what are often the most challenging circumstances imaginable.

At Barratt, we believe it’s important to give back to the communities we help to build, and Julia’s House is a shining example of the kind of compassionate, community-based support that truly changes lives.”

Barratt Homes Bristol’s donation will help fund ongoing care provision for local families, including essential equipment, nurse visits and creative play sessions for children. To find out more about Julia’s House or to make a donation, people can visit www.juliashouse.org.