Harry’s Pals

Harry’s Pals is a charity supporting parents in England whose child has a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. Our work is centred on reducing isolation, improving wellbeing, and creating meaningful support networks for families navigating complex and often overwhelming circumstances.

Created by Harry’s mum and founder, Hayley Charlesworth, Harry’s Pals was built through lived experience and a deep understanding of the challenges families can face when caring for a seriously ill child. Harry, the charity’s namesake, remains at the heart of the organisation and its commitment to ensuring families feel seen, supported, and connected.

Our Approach

Harry’s Pals delivers holistic, family-focused support designed to bring families together, improve emotional wellbeing, and provide opportunities for connection and respite during difficult times.

Our support is centred around three core services:

• Short Breaks Away
  Providing families with opportunities to step away from the challenges of everyday life, spend quality time together, and create positive memories in a supportive environment.
• Peer Support and Community Connection
  Helping families build supportive relationships and reduce feelings of isolation through shared experiences and a strong community network, allowing for friendship, advice, and knowledge sharing.
• Counselling and therapy
  Providing free bespoke counselling and therapy sessions so that parents can speak to improve their mental health and find coping mechanisms for the road ahead

Collaboration and Partnership

We recognise the importance of partnership working and value opportunities to collaborate with organisations that share a commitment to supporting children and families facing significant health challenges.

Harry’s Pals believes charities are strongest when they work together — sharing knowledge, resources, expertise, and networks to improve outcomes for families. We are committed to building positive relationships across the sector and contributing to a supportive and collaborative community of organisations.

Our Vision

We think that parents should have access to emotional support at point of diagnosis and it is our vision that every parent facing life-changing news is signposted to Harry’s Pals for support