In 2014, Joel – The Complete Package became a registered charity, supporting families through pregnancy and parenting after baby loss.
Co-founders Matt and Emma Pearson created the charity following the tragic loss of their twin boys, Noel and James, in 2011, after experiencing a lack of support during their first ‘rainbow’ pregnancy.
Over the past 12 years, the charity has met and supported incredible, brave, and inspirational families affected by baby loss, many of whom have welcomed their own ‘rainbow babies’—a term for babies born after a loss at any stage of pregnancy, through IVF, miscarriage, stillbirth, during labour, or after birth. However, one of the biggest misconceptions about charities is that they operate without cost.
Joel – The Complete Package has provided face-to-face and online support through closed Facebook groups and email, as well as tailored support for ‘Joel Dads’ and siblings. The charity has delivered sessions focusing on physical and mental wellbeing, including family yoga, walk-and-talk meetings, and craft activities. However, small charities today must operate under a business model rather than relying on traditional funding pathways.
The Charity Commission reports that sustainability is a significant challenge for small charities moving into 2025. Over 85% of grassroots charities have reported declining income due to the cost-of-living crisis, which has also impacted public donations. Nearly half of small charities now fundraise primarily to cover core costs, and many with an income below £50,000 may not survive the next 12 months. Unfortunately, Joel – The Complete Package is no exception.
Despite unwavering passion and dedication, the charity’s future is financially unsustainable. While viable in the short term, long-term trends show limited funding opportunities. Despite resilience and determination, the Board of Trustees has been unable to develop a sustainable business plan for the next 12 months. Following an extraordinary board meeting in October 2024, it was unanimously decided that Joel – The Complete Package will be dissolved and de-registered as a charity in 2025.
There are no outstanding debts, and the charity will close with all liabilities addressed. Heartfelt thanks are extended to everyone involved with Joel – The Complete Package over the past 12 years. This difficult decision was made only after every alternative was explored.
A special thank you goes to Matt and Emma for their courage and selflessness in sharing their journey following the loss of their boys. Their children, Sebastian and Polly, have been dedicated ambassadors for the charity. The legacy of Noel and James will live on in the lives of all who have been supported by the charity.
Recognition is also given to Lisa, the charity’s coordinator, whose dedication has been invaluable.
One of the charity’s proudest achievements was raising over £40,000 in 2016 to create and renovate the dual-purpose family suite on the labour ward at Bassetlaw Hospital. This space allows bereaved families to spend time with their babies in a private, comforting environment. Although it is deeply saddening that the suite has been used by so many families, the positive feedback received affirms its importance. Any remaining funds after closure will be used to update and improve the family suite, ensuring it continues to support local families in their darkest moments.
Additionally, remaining funds will be donated to The Poplars Christian Fellowship, known locally as Poplars Church, which has generously provided a base for the charity’s Hub.
On a personal note, it has been an honour to serve as a mentor, board member, vice-chair, and chairperson over the past seven years.
Through the sadness of this moment, the achievements of Joel – The Complete Package must not be forgotten.
“Nothing in life stays the same. The only constant in life is change. While the destination may be uncertain, we can find meaning and purpose in the journey itself.”
For any queries regarding the charity’s closure, please contact info@joeltcp.org.
Allison Palmer, Chairperson, on behalf of the Board of Trustees.