Shooting Star opened in 2005 and now supports 250 families. The care services are based around the needs of the whole family, so as well as caring for the children and young people, there are activities and support groups for siblings, parents and other relatives. This makes a real difference to families who find themselves in unimaginable circumstances - helping them live life to the full by providing opportunities for fun and laughter, as well as helping them through the tougher times.

Families benefit from Shooting Star's care services in the community, in their own homes and at Shooting Star House, the purpose-built facility based in Hampton, Middlesex. These services include Short Breaks (respite care), Day Care, Outreach Care, Family Support and Therapies and End of Life Care.

It costs £3 million every year (£8,000 a day) to maintain these care services and with no long-term statutory funding, the majority of this comes from voluntary donations.