Charity Commission releases statement as Zoe's Place saved

The Charity Commission has commented on the incredible fundraising efforts that have saved Liverpool baby hospice Zoe's Place from closure. Today it was confirmed the West Derby hospice, which has provided palliative and end-of-life care for babies and young children since 1995, will be saved from the threat of imminent closure after a staggering £5 million was raised across the city of Liverpool in just 30 days.

On October 7, 41 devastated staff members were told they had just four weeks before their jobs would be cut as the charity - which also has sites in Coventry and Middlesbrough - said it had failed to find the funding needed for a new facility in time for the ending of the lease of its current site in Yew Tree Lane next year.

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There were tears, hugs and scenes of jubilation at Zoe's Place today as staff and families celebrated the incredible achievement. The charity can now begin work to build a new state-of-the-art centre to move into, which will be run by a new group of local trustees.

The UK's charity regulator, the Charity Commission, has today commented on the incredible campaign and said it stands ready to support Zoe's Place Liverpool in its next steps.

Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said: “These are challenging times for charities and in particular for hospices.

“The remarkable generosity of business leaders, philanthropists and the people of Liverpool and beyond has ensured that the fundraising campaign for one of the city’s only children’s hospices has reached its target. The campaign is testament to the power of charity.

“As regulator, we have an important enabling role, helping charities to achieve their purposes and upholding public confidence in the charity sector. As such, we have been engaging with the trustees of Zoe’s Place and with the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy (owners of the current site), alongside the local MP and campaigners, to ensure the best outcome for the charity’s future.

“Whilst it is principally for trustees to lead their charity, the Commission can play a crucial role in helping facilitate discussions, particularly in complex circumstances such as this as well as provide regulatory guidance and permissions. Our focus has been on supporting all parties that are committed to ensuring the future of vital services provided to some of society’s most vulnerable.

He added: “The Sisters of the Institute of our Lady of Mercy should be commended for engaging sensitively with this matter in the context of their own obligations as trustees of a separate charity. We will continue to work closely with all parties as they decide on the next steps for Zoe’s Place Liverpool.”