How it works

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

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Refer a child

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
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.
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
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.
Apply for a place in the 2023 London Marathon!

One of the biggest and best marathons in the world! We have guaranteed places but would also love to support anyone who has their own place through the ballot.
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