When an adult in the family is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the whole family.
Approximately a quarter of all cancer patients are parents of children or young teenagers. The emotional and practical impacts on children and teenagers of parental cancer are immense and can be long lasting. Our service is here to help families and children during this time. This includes supporting parents in talking to their children about their cancer diagnosis and allowing children to express their worries and fears. We also work with schools to help them better understand and manage situations when a parent or member of staff, has cancer.
Children's Counselling
To help them deal with their fears and worries, children may be offered one to one counselling sessions with a trained counsellor.
One to one counselling is usually offered in our garden cabin, and can be weekly or on an ad-hoc basis.
One to one counselling offers the children a safe space to offload, or have their questions answered.
Parent Support
As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to say about a cancer diagnosis or the progression of the illness with your child and it can be hard to find the right words.
We offer support to help you find the correct language and vocabulary to use with your child and work through concerns you may have as a parent. We offer support to help you through this and it can be on a one-off session or more if required.
We also offer sessions as a family unit.
Schools Support
PUPIL SUPPORT
We support pupils by providing one to one counselling to a child or young person affected by cancer. We can also come in and talk to groups or classes of children who may be affected by cancer, or to the whole school via a class assembly.
STAFF SUPPORT
We work with schools by educating staff on cancer, and how to support pupils when there is cancer in the family. This can be done formally (e.g. via a presentation/workshop to school staff) or informally (e.g. over a coffee or on the phone).
For more information or if you think we can support the staff in your school, please contact the Fountain Centre.
Info & Videos
We have a selection of information and videos available, please contact us for more details.
Book List
It can be hard to tell a child about a cancer diagnosis and finding the rights words can be difficult. Books about cancer are an important tool for children.
They can help a child gain insight into the meaning of a cancer diagnosis, as well as possible treatments and side effects that may occur later. Books can be helpful for young children through to teenagers.
Contact the Fountain Centre for more details.
Groups
Contact us for further details.
Have Questions?
- How much do your services cost?
- Can my children be seen together?
- What if my children do not want to come into the centre?
- Do my children need to know I have cancer before I bring them into you?
- My child is on the waiting list for CAMHS, can you see them in the interim?
How much do your services cost?
The Fountain Centre is an independent charity that relies on donations to continue its services. We kindly request a donation for each session attended, with a suggested amount of £10. However, you are welcome to donate more or less based on your circumstances. If you're unable to donate, please don’t hesitate to speak with a team member—your access to our services won’t be affected
Can my children be seen together?
We offer both 1:1 sessions, or your children can have a joint session if they wish.
What if my children do not want to come into the centre?
We can provide ‘backdoor support’ to the parent/caregiver on how to have those conversations or how to support your child. This can be done at the centre or over the phone.
Do my children need to know I have cancer before I bring them into you?
This is your choice. Whatever you have told them, we will need to be made aware so we are saying the same thing i.e. if you have used the word cancer.
My child is on the waiting list for CAMHS, can you see them in the interim?
We unfortunately would not see a child who has complex mental health needs. The work we do is surrounding the cancer diagnosis of their loved one.
£100 Donation
Could provide one to one support for a child or family member with a parent facing a cancer diagnosis.
