The families of critically ill children across the country often travel to unfamiliar, faraway cities to receive the expert medical care they need. The distress of having a sick child in hospital is then met with financial dread and the traumatic reality that the family cannot all stay on the ward with their child. They must also pay their rent or mortgage, petrol or public transport costs, and spend hours travelling to and from the hospital. This commute takes away valuable time that could be spent with their child. Paying for accommodation nearby can eat up any leftover funds—often decreased by one or more guardians having to take time away from work. This is NOT sustainable. This is NOT fair. The Sick Children’s Trust is, however, working tirelessly across the country to change this narrative.
I was lucky enough to visit their Leeds site, Eckersley House, to get to know the amazing team behind this initiative and to visit the sanctuary they provide for their families.
I sat down with Jane, who has been with the charity for 24 years, first as Assistant Manager and later as Manager. With two decades of experience within the charity sector, Jane applies a people-centred and support-driven approach to her work. The team, Jane, Caroline, Fiona and Rimsha, are here as a charity, not as a clinic- the hospital looks after the patient and Eckersley House looks after the family. Entering the house, you are met by the warm and inviting reception area where a member of the team is on hand for assistance and support.
What is Eckersely House?
Eckersley House is open to the families of children who have been admitted to the wards, usually under the care of the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Neonatal Unit, or High Dependency wards. Families are not charged for accommodation but are welcome to make donations if they are able (with each room costing the charity £40 per night and 23 bedrooms available).
The facilities include private bedrooms, kitchens, laundry, playrooms, shared living areas, and a self-contained flat suitable for a family who is shielding a child with a weakened immune system. The house also has ground-level, accessible rooms for wheelchair access. As a whole, the house is designed to feel like a breath of fresh air in contrast to the harsher hospital wards. The rooms are spacious and airy, with a flow of natural light and a grassed square just outside the bedrooms. Eckersley House feels like a HOME- not a hospital. The building is comprised of multiple terrace houses filled with character and is just over the bridge from the city centre.
How does this work?
Families are referred to Eckersley House by the LGI wards. Prioritisation on the waiting list is based on three factors:
- When a child is on the PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit)
- A high dependency case
- Distance from the hospital
With each family and their needs being completely different, the team works hard to treat each referral with respect and offer each family a space as soon as possible. With the average stay for a family being around 18–20 days, rooms become available relatively quickly. However, for some families, their journey requires them to stay for extended periods, with one family currently in residence since May 2025.
I had the chance to speak to a family in residence at Eckersley House as they brought their beautiful baby boy over for a visit. Although this family lived an hour from Leeds and would be considered one of the more local residents, they were still spending 14 hours away from their 10-week-old baby each week to commute to the city. When considering the emotional strain of hospital, the high costs of food and travel, and the separation of these parents from their other children, Eckersley House offers a lifeline to families going through their most traumatic and emotionally demanding time. For example, Leeds General Infirmary is the closest Liver Specialist Hospital to the whole of Scotland. The commute for some families can be completely unachievable.
Jane disclosed-
“We want parents to be able to feel like themselves again. We aim to relieve an ounce of the stress and uncertainty, focusing on practical and emotional help.”
In terms of emotional support, the team is on hand with a listening ear when things are overwhelming. The staff are always happy for residents to have a chat to relieve a bit of built-up pressure that they may not want to worry a partner with. Furthermore, with each resident having a child on the wards, other families can share experiences and offer a quiet sense of community. The homely, calm, and non-clinical environment separates itself from hospital stress. The charity supports wellbeing as well as logistics. They are with their families every step of the way.
How can I get involved?
Eckersley House relies on the kindness and generosity of the community. Funded through donations, local fundraising, and community contributions, your support helps to keep families together. Donating money, time, or appropriate items (cupboard food/drinks, new toys, etc.) can make a huge difference to the life of an Eckersley House family. Another way to get involved is by sponsoring a bedroom. When you or your company sponsor a bedroom, you receive a plaque on the bedroom door to show your support for the family inside. This also directly helps the team continue their vital work.
Whether you are fundraising or giving your time to help keep the house well-maintained, small practical support can have a big impact on families’ experiences.
In closing, I want to personally thank the amazing team for their incredible efforts in creating a space that takes a proportion of the weight off the shoulders of those going through the most difficult times of their lives. The work the staff do each day, together with your generosity, makes this possible.
Thank you, Team Eckersley—and the wider Sick Children’s Trust. May you continue to do your amazing work for a very long time
Get Involved: https://www.sickchildrenstrust.org/homes-from-home/eckersley-house/
