1. Wish Referral
It’s a referral that starts the child on their wish journey. A referral tells us about the child, their eligibility, and the impact the wish could have.
The wish journey
We grant wishes to children aged 3 to 17 at the time of referral, who have been diagnosed with a critical illness. They can be referred to us by a Community Referral Partner.
You can find out more about the referral process by visiting our webpage on applying for a wish, or by calling our Referrals team on 0118 304 3368.
What happens next?
Once we receive a referral, we contact the wish child’s guardian and ask them to complete an application form on the child’s behalf.
The wish child’s medical team will also be asked further information about the wish child’s medical condition, in order to ascertain whether or not the child could be in line for a wish. Once this is confirmed, the child then begins their wish journey!
To make sure every eligible child across the UK receives a wish, we work closely with a range of other Wishgranting charities/organisations to confirm a child’s eligibility.
The wish journey
2. Wish Discovery
Our trained Wish Makers are skilled in ensuring that a child’s wish is fun! They build a rapport with the child or young person to awaken their imagination, create excitement and empower them to explore their wish.
3. Wish Design
Every child is unique, and so is this creative stage where our skilled Wishgranters work with the child’s family to organise an extraordinary wish experience, just for them.
4. Wish Anticipation
This stage of the journey builds excitement and empowers a child by actively enabling them to choose specific elements of their wish. Looking forward to something positive contributes to the overall impact of the child’s wish.
5. Wish Realisation
The wish itself is a magical experience for any child – unique to their personality but including their siblings, where possible.
6. Wish Effect
The positive impact of a wish lasts long after the wish has been granted. It fosters confidence, builds resilience and provides happiness - something joyful for a family to look back on in the days, months and years ahead.
Refer a child
If you know a child who could benefit from the life-changing impact a wish has, follow the link below to find out more about how to refer them for a wish today!