Newsletters

Our postal newsletters keep you up to date with activity in the hospice, family stories, events and supporter news from across Greater Manchester. We produce three printed newsletters a year in a handy A5 format.

You can also chose to receive our monthly supporter news by email by submitting your details below.

Sign up to our eNewsletter

We would love to keep in touch and share our news, events and appeals by email.

Name(Required)
(Required)

Winter 2023

In our final newsletter of 2023 we recognise the dedication and role of ourWinter newsletter cover with a photo in a circle of a child and woman in a sensory light room and a snowman on a red background. board of trustees, through their good governance Francis House has enjoyed stability in these challenging times. We said goodbye to Chris Roberts and Martin Lochery who have been trustees since the beginning and welcomed Jane Kempler as our new Chair.

The story of Francis House is available to buy in a beautiful new hardcover book. ‘A Worthwhile Error – The History of Francis House’ contains archive and inspirational stories from the last thirty years. Sister Aloysius, Father Tom, Princess Diana, Kirsty Howard, families, staff, volunteers, and supporters are all featured in 16 fascinating chapters written by local author Andy Buckley.

Autumn 2023

Cover of a newsletter with a smiling girl wearing a colourful jumper sat in a wheelchair on a terraceRecognising the changing needs of our young people and their families, we took the decision to expand the psychotherapy services that we offer at Francis House. Appointing new staff and increasing the hours that psychotherapists are on site.

Since Kate was a child she has been living with the knowledge that her condition will result in her early death. At Francis House she is able to talk honestly about her feelings and is met with compassion and understanding.

September is jam packed with events and activities for you to get involved in. Whether it’s lunching with the ladies at our Boutique Lunch, putting your best foot forward during STEPtember, or finally getting around to making a Will during our special Make a Will Month. All in support of your favourite charity!

Spring 2023

Cover of the spring 2023 newsletterAs we move into spring, we look to the future with the opening of the new building in Heaton Moor, a home for six young people with life-limiting conditions and complex needs. Operated by Francis House Families Limited, the care home provides the young residents with an enriching and fulfilling life.

The siblings of a child with a life-limiting condition can often miss out on a lot of things that their friends take for granted. The Francis House sibling support team understands their needs and has a range of services and groups to support them emotionally as well as having fun.

Discover the exciting range of challenge activities and fundraising events to get involved in this spring and summer.

Winter 2022

Cover of Francis House winter newsletter

The Francis House Emotional and Bereavement Support team offers support to families following the death of their child. In this Winter issue, we hear of one family’s journey and the support that they received.

As the night’s draw in, we have plenty of festive fundraising ideas to raise your spirits.  A Christmas Story Service returns to St Elisabeth’s Church Reddish on December 9, and bidding hots up at Quayside MediaCityUK at our popular Festival of Trees auction running until December 4.

As another year draws to a close, we report on the services that we delivered to the 565 plus families in our care. We ask for your help with our Christmas appeal to support local families with a gift this Christmas.

Summer 2022

Summer newsletter cover

Welcome to your summer supporter newsletter. A little-known service that we provide at Francis House is homecare. Our homecare team of nurses and carers are the first people that families meet, and homecare visits benefit the whole family in a variety of ways.

We shine the spotlight on super supporter Carole Geary who has volunteered her time for more than 25 years putting on fabulous fundraising events!

Plans are in place for our first Open Day post COVID on Saturday, November 5. Plus, a Boutique Lunch, Golf Week, STEPtember and the opening of our new charity shop in Withington, are just some of the ways that you can support your local children’s hospice.

Spring 2022

Spring 2022 newsletter coverSpring is a time when we look forward to new things and we’ve lined up a number of fun new initiatives and events that you can all get involved in to support your local children’s hospice.

Check out our Abseil at the Trafford Centre, Summer Draw and Trek Norway.

Dr David Dawson retires after more than 25 years at Francis House, and his daughter Kirsty joins the team of six doctors providing medical cover 24 hours a day.

We have a cuppa with Sister Maureen O’Driscoll, senior nurse at our residential facility and discover her secret talent!

Winter 2021

Winter newsletter 2021 coverWelcome to our 30th Anniversary Special Edition packed full of news and festive events.

In November 1991 Francis House was officially opened by Diana, Princess of Wales and since then thousands of families have come to our doors to find a place of support, care and friendship.

Are you up for the Big 3-0 Challenge? Take on some of our thirty-themed fundraising suggestions either at work, home, or at school in celebration of our 30th anniversary year!

Summer 2021

Francis House summer newsletter coverPlanned respite returns to Francis House as the children and young people can once again enjoy activities inside the hospice and in the garden.

Nurse Jackie Graham joined the hospice care team in 1992. She tells us why after almost three decades she still loves coming to work.

Meet Francis Mouse, chef Howard Maddocks and find out about our STEPtember challenge, Knit Off and other fantastic upcoming events!

Spring 2021

Maria Mahmood had a very special bond with her brother Hasan. When he died in 2020 she wanted to do something truly special for Francis House – the place that had given her some of the ‘best’ memories of their time together.

Francis House turns 30 later in the year and in the first of our special features, we look back at the fundraising scene in the 1990s and the surge of support for the hospice.

The Great Manchester Run is back for a new date of 26th September and with charity places now up for grabs we need you to join #TeamFrancisHouse.

Plus Take a Hike, Competition Time and much much more!

Winter 2020

Winter 2020 newsletter cover

We leave behind a year dominated by Covid-19 and the end of an era with the retirement of Gill Bevin – an outstanding Director of Care.

News of the appointment of Sharon Doodson as the new Registered Manager – only the third Director of Care to be appointed in the history of Francis House.

Francis House fundraiser Jim wins Pride of Manchester award.

Thanks to your support we have continued to deliver care throughout the Coronavirus crisis.

Summer 2020

Care during Covid-19 and how telephone support is providing a lifeline to desperate families.

We remember Joshua Lapi, a remarkable lad and a person of great courage. During the Coronavirus crisis we were able to support Josh and his family at the end of his life.

On your marks, get set… launch!

We announce two new virtual events – Balloon Race and Knit Off – both with exciting prizes up for grabs.

Thank you for your support and keep safe.

Spring 2020

Spring newsletter coverA message from David Ireland, CEO calling for support for hospice care following the outbreak of the Coronavirus resulting in the cancellation of fundraising events.

Track down all twenty chicks without leaving your home in the first ever virtual Francis House Easter Chick Hunt!

Easy ways to shop online and donate to Francis House.

Thank you to all our supporters – stay safe.

Read our Newsletter back issues: