Honeypot exists to enhance the lives of very vulnerable children and young carers aged between 5 and 12, across the UK, by supporting their social development through respite care and a programme of long term support.

The Honeypot relationship with each individual child begins with a respite break at the Honeypot House in the beautiful New Forest and continues with a comprehensive programme of long- term support within their home environment.  Our aim is to give children the chance to have a normal childhood.

Honeypot supports children who are living in severe financial or emotional hardship or are the primary carer of a sick relative. In many cases the children are on the Child Protection Register.

The Honeypot house opened it’s doors to children in April 1998, and now welcomes over 672 children each year. The house is set within seven acres of  the beautiful New Forest, and accommodates 12 children at any one time.  It provides a desperately needed break for these young people. For a child who has never been to the countryside before, coming to Honeypot House is something new and exciting. Activities such as riding a bike, making a cake, paddling at the beach, painting a picture or playing in safety out in the fresh air are often experienced for the first time.

The Honeypot Bus was launched in September 2002. It is a double decker playbus which visits children known to the charity, living in inner city areas, and offers them the opportunity to play and learn in a safe environment. The bus now visits over 2,000 children per year.

The Honeypot Club maintains contact with each child through correspondence such as Christmas presents, birthday cards and newsletters. Children return to The Honeypot House for a weekend visit each year and attend our annual Christmas party. Last year we sent out over 1000 Christmas gifts to children, which for many will have been the only gift they received.

Respite breaks for teenage Mum's and their babies was introduced in 2002. Honeypot offers educational activities such as learning about food, nutrition, baby care and health and safety. We are also teaching these young parents the equivalent of an NVQ level 1 to assist with finances and writing skills. Many of the Mum’s are from disadvantaged backgrounds with limited support and Honeypot offers them a much needed break. We look after 20 teenage mothers and their babies per year.

'Like bees to a bee hive, Honeypot children return to Honeypot House year after year, each visit as sweet as the last…'