Ronald Mcdonald House Charities KEEP UP TO DATE Sign up to our newsletter Home > What we do > How we help HOW WE HELP Ronald McDonald House Charities keeps families together so children in hospital can get the love and comfort they need. Our Houses give families somewhere to lay their heads at night while their child is in hospital. Our accommodation is provided free of charge and for as long as families need it, sparing them some of the financial issues that can arise during a prolonged hospital stay. According to a recent report by BLISS, families with a sick baby in hospital can face unexpected extra expenses of up to £2,000 per hospital visit. Ronald McDonald Houses enable parents to stay as close as possible to the children's ward and in doing so greatly reduce the need to travel and all of its associated stresses and costs. Further, results of a recent study conducted at our House in Oxford show clearly that family members were able to sleep better and for longer whilst in a Ronald McDonald House, compared to sleeping on their child's ward. It is this quality sleep and recuperation that enables our families to properly support each other and their child in hospital. Our Houses are fitted with everything a family could need to make themselves feel at home. Though it may sound mundane, the provision of facilities such as a laundry room and a kitchen are precisely what allow families to maintain some degree of normality. The staff in a Ronald McDonald House are also on hand to offer support when needed, such as a listening ear or a chat over a cup of tea. Many Houses organise kids activities such as arts and crafts sessions, birthday parties or special visits, so the children staying with us feel supported and looked after during their time away from friends at home. Other communal activities such as 'Waffle Wednesday' or 'Film Friday' bring families together so they can share experiences; Peer-to-peer support is so invaluable during these times. "One thing that stood our for me, was the ability to talk with people who are in the same situation as you. There was a time at night when another guy looked as broken as me. We struck up a chat and we realised that it wasn't just you. It was that moment of clarity, where I felt very much part of a family." JAMES CUTHBERTSON STAYED IN RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE BRIGHTON Where possible we also provide day services for families who either don’t require a room or who, due to demand, we are unable to accommodate. These services run from simply allowing them some space and time to rest away from the ward, to the extension of our laundry and cooking facilities and their inclusion in various House events. FAMILY STORIES Our Houses, staff and volunteers have helped thousands of families over the last 25 years and some of them have kindly decided to share their experiences. FAMILY STORIES THE LATEST FROM RMHC SHOW MORE NEWS 04/09/2015 A LOOK BACK IN TIME We decided to speak to Richard about what treasures have been found on site at Ronald McDonald House… READ FULL ARTICLE VIEW ALL RMHC NEWS SOCIAL A Ronald McDonald House = Where friends are made http://t.co/ZCTKdSFsde We spoke to Richard, the #Archaeologist on hand at RMH #Evelina about what treasures he has found, read our Q&A at http://t.co/WH7LyDdFoh FOLLOW US UPCOMING EVENTS 11/11/2015 - 11/11/2015 RUN IN THE DARK As darkness sets over the globe, join thousands of runners across the world... GO TO EVENT VIEW ALL RMHC EVENTS © 2014 Ronald McDonald House Charities Ronald McDonald House Charities is an independent charity registered in England and Wales (802047) and in Scotland (SC040717). A company limited by guarantee no. 2252337, registered in England. PRIVACY POLICY COOKIES POLICY TERMS & CONDITIONS