A cancer diagnosis can be very hard to explain to a child. Whether it is the child going through treatment, a sibling or the parents themselves. Big C Cancer Charity has therefore launched a groundbreaking new programme of holistic care and support to offer children with a cancer diagnosis and their families. Working in collaboration with the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH), the local cancer charity has developed a support package, which can be accessed by anyone in the region. Whether the child is receiving treatment at NNUH, Addenbrookes or further afield, or they are affected by a family member going through a diagnosis, a new dedicated family support team is on hand to offer guidance and work with the family in whatever way is needed, including psychological support, counselling and play therapy. This complements the Teen and Young Adult (TYA) Group, which already enables young people affected by cancer to gain peer, emotional and practical support. Thanks to the generous support of the Ladies in League Against Cancer (LILAC), a voluntary fundraising group which raises funds to support the work of Big C, a newly adapted area has been created at the Big C Centre in the grounds of the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital. Offering a calm, child friendly space with sensory lighting, bean bags, a play station, toys, games, arts and crafts, it is an area for families to enjoy, away from the hospital environment in between treatment and appointments. LILAC have also funded the role of an educational psychologist which is vital in helping children cope and in ensuring positive long-term adjustment to a cancer diagnosis. The educational psychologist has the expertise in engaging in holistic assessments of children and young people, creating a detailed profile of their strengths and needs both in terms of their learning and cognitive abilities as well as their emotional wellbeing. Dr Melanie Pascale, director of charitable operations at Big C said “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer this unique service to families in Norfolk and surrounding counties. Cancer affects not just the patient, but the entire family, and through this new initiative at Big C, with the assistance and expertise of a dedicated educational psychologist, we will be able to offer emotional and practical support, to help navigate that difficult path.” NNUH consultant Jo Ponnampalam said “The Paediatric Oncology team at the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital are delighted to hear that Big C Cancer Charity has extended its services to children with a cancer diagnosis and their families/carers. The family support programme will offer a great opportunity to further enhance the holistic support these children and families currently receive. They will be able to access other therapies like reflexology, massage etc that are currently not offered by the NHS; The Big C building offers a comfortable space away from where they receive their treatments, within the grounds of the hospital thereby making it convenient for children/families to visit as it is only steps away. We look forward to working with the Big C team to continue to provide a high-quality holistic service to our patient population.” Sammy Adcock and her family are most complimentary about the new service now available to them “I am so grateful for this space that has opened at Big C, Norwich. The family support room is so welcoming with a variety of activities for children of all ages to be engaged with. This enabled me to have a lovely open conversation with support worker Emma without having to worry about the children. The ambience is so calming. Every aspect has been so well planned, from the complementing colours to the sound of the water feature coming through from the garden. It’s amazing and I can’t wait to come back!” Service user, Ali Howell said “It’s been three years since my diagnosis, and Big C has been an incredible support for myself and my family. I’ve benefited from complementary therapy and counselling services, as well as access to a nurse for advice and to ask questions. This new family support service is so very needed in the county. The impact of a diagnosis has a profound impact on the whole family, and especially the children. The new service will provide a much-needed space for the children to gain the additional emotional support and processing space they need, as well as being a bridge to support their schools. And a place for families to be held and to access the support they need to navigate life with a cancer diagnosis.” To find out more about the support Big C can offer families, please visit www.big-c.co.uk and search family support, call 0800 092 7640 or email [email protected].
