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

They know the children and the families better than anyone else, and know more about their challenges and dreams after spending long periods of time caring and supporting them.

These incredible professionals include nurses, GPs, therapists, dieticians, physiotherapists and other health and social care professionals, to name a few.

We cross reference the referral with the indices of mass deprivation  – a UK Government measure – to ensure we’re focusing on supporting only the most deprived and disadvantaged regions of our country.

All funds raised, all volunteering hours, all direct donations go towards making dreams come true for those most in need in the UK.

(Please note, we don’t accept individual applications and only work with our referral partnership network)

After application 

Once referred, our Dreams Team work hard to connect with the family to make sure that the Dream is suitable and has the maximum impact on the life of the child or young person.

For example, working closely with family members and healthcare professionals to build a bespoke adapted trike, including specific dimensions for the child and a unique-fitted handle bar for parental safety. 

Equally important to a young person and their family could be a meal out at a restaurant (if they have never had someone cook for them), a room makeover to help them feel more comfortable and at home, or sensory equipment or a tablet to give a young person with learning difficulties more confidence.

We arrange everything: from transport; equipment or toys for a day at the beach (if they’ve never been); or builders, decorators and safety checks for a bedroom or garden makeover (which can make all the difference to their day-to-day lives).

The average cost of a Dream to deliver a vital item of equipment, for example a specially-adapted trike is £2,500. Dreams including families can cost up to £5,000 and more.

Having the family closely involved is crucial  to ensure a Dream comes true, as many children and young people are highly reliant on family for their day-to-day care.