It was fantastic to bring our South West CANN network together this morning for another engaging and collaborative online session! Thank you to everyone who joined us to share updates, discuss regional priorities, and connect across the charity and voluntary sector.
A massive thank you to Rachel Carluke, Anna Mountney, and Natalie Hartgroves from WellChild for delivering such an informative, insightful presentation on their extensive services and family support programmes. We had wonderful engagement and feedback from the charities in the room, highlighting just how vital these collaborative conversations are for our community.
Spotlight on WellChild Support & Services
WellChild is the national charity supporting children and young people aged 0–19 with serious and complex health needs, and their families. During the session, the WellChild team highlighted several essential resources available across our region and nationwide:
- Family Welfare Advisor Service: Having expanded nationwide in April 2026, this service provides direct support for families caring for a child with complex medical needs who do not receive continuing care funding. They assist with DLA/benefits advice, mandatory reconsiderations and appeals, specialist grants, and emergency essentials. In the last year alone, the service unlocked over £1,000,000 in statutory benefits for families!
- WellChild Family Tree Community: A parent carer community connecting thousands of families through parent tea and talks, family days out, and ticket giveaways.
- Information Hub & Guides: Practical, tailored online resources for families navigating complex medical journeys, including their Making Holidays Possible booklet and webinars on topics such as transition, travel, and an upcoming session on paediatric palliative care.
- Digital Inclusion Programme: Providing eligible families with free devices (tablets, laptops, and mobile phones), data, and digital skills support so they can attend virtual clinical appointments and stay connected.
Regional Network Updates & Dates for Your Diary
Beyond the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to exchange updates and share upcoming events across the South West:
- North Somerset Parent Carers Working Together (NSPCWT) Family Support Fayre: Wednesday 21st October 2026 in Weston-super-Mare across three venues (The Royal Hotel, Winter Gardens, and Sovereign Centre).
- Ignite Bristol Winter Inclusive Multi-Sport Festival: Sunday 22nd November 2026 (1:00pm – 4:00pm) at 224 Youth Zone in Bristol.
- National WellChild Awards: Nominations remain open to celebrate inspiring children, young people, and devoted carers.
- Autumn In-Person Event Update: Please note that the previously discussed October in-person gathering has been postponed due to scheduling conflicts, with our next regional meeting planned for the new year.
Useful Links & Presentations
To access the slides and resources shared during this morning’s session, please explore the links below:
- Get in Touch with WellChild: Email Rachel Carluke directly at rachelcarluke@wellchild.org.uk
- WellChild Website: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/
- WellChild Family Tree: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/get-support/join-our-community/
- WellChild Information Hub: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/get-support/information-hub/
- Family Welfare Service Referrals: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/get-support/family-welfare-service/
- Digital Support Referrals: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/driving-digital-inclusion-programme/
- In Your Area Directory: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/in-your-area/
These are the two additional things that were mentioned at the end of the session that would also be useful to share:
- WellChild Awards 2027 Nominations Open: Every family has a story of courage, love and determination. The WellChild Awards recognise inspiring children and young people with complex medical needs, alongside the people who help them thrive. If you know someone who deserves to be celebrated, why not nominate them for a 2027 WellChild Award?
Submit your nomination today: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/2027nominate/ - Paediatric Palliative Care Webinar : For many families and professionals, the word “palliative” can feel frightening; it’s often mistaken as a sign that support is being withdrawn, that hope is running out. In this free session for parents, we’ll explain what palliative care really means: not the withdrawal of support, but the addition of care, ensuring children achieve the best possible quality of life and that symptoms are well managed throughout their lives: https://www.wellchild.org.uk/paediatric-palliative-care-webinar/
Meeting Presentation & Downloads:
- Download the WellChild Services Presentation (PDF)
- Download the CANN Network Overview Presentation (PDF)
A sincere thank you again to representatives from Rainbow Trust, Activity Alliance, Carers BSG, NSPCWT, and Gympanzees for attending and contributing to such a productive session. We look forward to connecting again in 2027!