How it works

The Dreams We Offer

UK Holidays and cherished Experience Days designed to inspire a lifetime of memories.

Equipment dreams offering a small change with a big impact, providing access to toys or technology.

Bedroom Makeovers - bedrooms reimagined, inspired by each dream child

Garden Play Equipment to enhance a child's environment at home.

Although we try and fulfil every dream request, there are some exceptions to the dreams we can offer. Please read the dream inspiration guide to see the kinds of dreams we can fulfil.

The dream must be able to take place immediately (within 6-9 months) following application. For example;

UK Holiday requests must be for 2023
The garden must be cleared, suitable and level before applying for Garden Play Equipment. Unfortunately, we cannot take on any groundwork prior the equipment being installed.
The family must be in long-term accommodation to be referred for a Bedroom Makeover

The Dream Journey – How It Works

Step 1: Check the eligibility criteria here.

Step 2: We only accept dreams on a referral basis from professionals that are involved in the child's care. If you are a parent or carer, please share this page with the professional you’d like to refer your child on your behalf. If you are a professional involved in the child's care and would like to continue with the referral – apply here.

Step 3: The Dream Team will check the application meets our criteria and will contact the referrer directly with the outcome. This may take up to 2 weeks.

Step 4: If the application has been successful, the family will also be contacted by their Dream Coordinator who will begin working with the family to arrange the dream.

Please note that some dreams change from application, and acceptance of an application does not guarantee the dream suggestion will be the final choice. We will work with the family to ensure the dream can be achieved within budget and is the best choice for that young person.

If the dream is medically urgent, please utilise the enquiry form on our contact us page here.

Please note we extend our age range to 2- 18 and forgo the location and postcode criteria for children who need a dream as soon as possible.

Refer a child

Latest

Run Alton Towers 10k

Come to Alton Towers (the UK’s biggest theme park) and run 10km around the park!
Run Alton Towers 5k

Come to Alton Towers (the UK’s biggest theme park) and run 5km around the park!
Referral Hub

Welcome to our referral hub. This is our exclusive community of professionals working alongside children who help us deliver dreams to kids who have it tough by submitting referral applications.
Halton Lodge Community Dream

We granted Halton Lodge a new and improved sensory room to serve their local community.

Make A Referral

We only accept referrals from medical, healthcare, or social care professionals. Applications are on a first come first served basis, to ensure that no child is waiting too long for delivery of their dream.
What we do

Dreams Come True is a national Children's Charity who exists to deliver dreams to children who have it tough. We believe every child has the right to dream, no matter who they are or where they live. More info
Who we support

To ensure we reach the children who deserve our attention the most, we work with children who are living in the highest areas of deprivation in the country, and are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions. More info
What is a Dream?

Whether it's a break for a young cancer patient, a specially adapted trike for a child with cerebral palsy, a tablet to help an autistic teenager develop their communication skills, or a seriously ill child’s room makeover. Each dream brings a moments of magic and has a lasting impact for years to come. More info
Join the team

We are always on the lookout for people who share our values and mission and are dedicated to making dreams come true for children who have it tough.
How it works

We work exclusively with, and only manage dream referrals from, those who know the Dreamers best –medical, healthcare and social care professionals.
Eligibility Criteria

To ensure we reach the children who need our attention the most, we have a set eligibility criteria that must be met in order to have a dream come true.
About us

We make dreams come true for children who are living with a disability, serious illness, or life-limiting conditions from the highest areas of deprivation in the UK. Bringing moments of magic that have a lasting impact for years to come. Our belief is that every young person has the right to dream, no matter who they are, or where they live.
Get Involved

If you're looking to help make more dreams come true, then fundraising is one of the best ways to do it. We have plenty of ways for you to get involved!
How do I volunteer?

Without our incredible volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to fulfil any of the dreams of the children and young people who live with serious and life-limiting conditions. More info