Debbie Jacobs
15 Jan 2026
Its central ambition—to move care away from hospitals and closer to people’s homes— strongly aligns with Kentown Support’s belief that ensuring access to a model of integrated children’s community palliative care in the community is essential.
The NHS 10-Year Plan Impact Report published this week marks one of the most significant shifts in modern healthcare. Its central ambition—to move care away from hospitals and closer to people’s homes— strongly aligns with Kentown Support’s belief that ensuring access to a model of integrated children’s community palliative care in the community is essential.
The plan proposes a number of key changes including, to:
expand multidisciplinary teams (MDTs), to ‘have fewer services delivered in hospitals and more activity conducted remotely and, in the community’, (Department of Health and Social Care, 2026).
recognise the growing importance of non-statutory providers, including charities and community partners, stating, ‘the neighbourhood health service is an ambitious major system change. This shift aims to both support the sustainability of the NHS and improve services for patients.’ (Department of Health and Social Care, 2026).
prioritise six groups, including those receiving End of Life Care (EoLC).
build on and expand the ‘diversity of providers involved in future delivery of healthcare services.’ (Department of Health and Social Care, 2026).
allow for greater diversity in the provider landscape, including through private providers, the voluntary sector and social enterprise, to increase value and choice
This represents an ambitious shift, but it is one Kentown Support fully adopts. Done well, it will offer care that feels personal, holistic and near to home.
When professionals collaborate around the needs of a child, care becomes holistic, efficient and family centred. Breaking down organisational silos will not only improve communication between clinicians and community teams, but also ensure families receive joined-up support where and when it is most needed.
Following the successful three-year Kentown community palliative care programme pilot across Lancashire and South Cumbria, designed to address longstanding gaps in children’s palliative care, Kentown Support, was established in 2025 as an independent charity, positioning itself as a collaborative, community-based model aligned with NHS ambitions. During the pilot over 250 referrals were made with more than a third of families accessing support from all three elements of the model: a Kentown Support Nurse, a Service Coordinator, and a Family Support Worker. Evaluation findings revealed that, ‘the Kentown model filled a critical gap in statutory provision by offering holistic support, relational continuity, and earlier access to palliative care than families had previously experienced.’ (Edge Hill University, 2025).
The Kentown model:
strengthens collaboration and integration with existing services at a local level
provides a holistic approach to addressing the complex needs of families
combines clinical expertise, and logistical coordination with practical and emotional support. ‘Families consistently highlighted how this combined expertise created a seamless and family-centred experience.’ (Edge Hill University, 2025)
delivers wrap-around support. ‘Kentown staff were seen as trusted anchors and connectors within a fragmented care landscape.’ (Edge Hill University, 2025)
improves the timeliness of referrals
ensures children can remain at home cared for by professionals able to meet their complex needs
Key gaps in the palliative care sector, including shortage of skilled personnel, limited 24/7 specialist community care and fragmented services mean the Kentown Support model is ideally placed to improve the quality, accessibility and coordination of children’s palliative care through cultural change and a fully collaborative approach. As the evaluation states:
the model facilitated Kentown and stakeholder team development in the region through role modelling, shared learning, and joint working which created a culture shift in practice and supported professional progression in teams through increased knowledge, confidence, and autonomy. (Edge Hill University, 2025).
Now launched in Greater Manchester and gradually rolling out across the UK, the Kentown Support model aims to complement not duplicate existing services. The organisation also funds key palliative care research and education to ensure professionals working in children’s palliative care have access to the training they need.
Breaking down organisational barriers and strengthening partnerships across health, social care, specialist services and the voluntary sector is the only way to ensure that children with life-limiting conditions and their families, receive the right care, at the right time, close to or in their home.
Reference List:
Department of Health and Social Care (2026). Impact Statement. The 10 Year Health Plan for England. Available
at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/impact-statement-10-year-health-plan-for-england
Edge Hill University, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine. (2025). An Evaluation of the Kentown Children’s Palliative Care Programme. Available
at: https://www.kentownsupport.org.uk/programmes/the-evaluation