WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

Every year in the UK some 60,000 children and young people up to the age of 21, access palliative care services. Every one of them will dream of things they would like to achieve, places they would like to go, and people they would like to meet. Sadly, for many, their condition may make it difficult to achieve their dreams.

That’s where we come in. Dreams Come True is a national children’s charity that exists to bring joy to terminally and seriously ill children and young people, by fulfilling their treasured dreams. We add a dimension to their quality of life, and by extension to that of their parents, families and friends, which is not available from health and social care budgets, but nevertheless can be transformational.

Founded in 1988 we have fulfilled the dreams of more than 5,000 life threatened and life limited children and young people aged 2-21 in every part of the UK. Each child’s dream is personal and unique to them and we stop at nothing to make sure that all dreams are fulfilled, whether it’s meeting a favourite pop star, surfing in Hawaii, experiencing zero gravity or having a book published.

A recent independent service evaluation has confirmed that our work is conducted at the highest standards, and that it delivers so much for our dream children and young people, and their families and friends:

• < > - have you ever experienced a treasured dream coming true?

  Precious memories – to treasure and share with family and friends which can be particularly cherished should the child have a terminal condition.

• < > – the choosing, the anticipation as well as the fulfilment of a dream can empower, encourage and strengthen sick children to deal with the stressful and often painful day to day events associated with their treatment.

  A catalyst to talk about difficult things – planning a dream can help open up meaningful family discussions about the present and the future.

• Hope for the future - achieving one dream often leads to identifying a new one which will give a sick child or young person something new to aim for and look forward to. Aspirations become a habit.

We call it the Power of Dreams.

Find out more about us at: www.dreamscometrue.uk.com