Connection and support for parents, guardians and carers coping with childhood cancer
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the emotional toll on parents, guardians, and carers can be overwhelming. While the child’s treatment naturally takes centre stage, those caring for them often experience anxiety, exhaustion, and isolation.
Caring for a child with cancer changes everyday life. Parents often struggle to look after their own wellbeing. Beth, whose son Kai was diagnosed with leukaemia, described how hard it was: "In those early weeks in hospital, I did what I could to get through from one day to the next. The cliché of 'putting on your own oxygen mask first' doesn’t work when your child is seriously ill."
Prof Bob Phillips, Professor of Paediatrics and Director of the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre, highlights the need for better emotional support: “Parents are under immense pressure, and while they focus on their child’s treatment, they may overlook their own emotional health. We need to ensure parents, guardians, and carers have the tools and support to care for their mental wellbeing too.”
In 2019 a version of the Hope Programme was co-designed with parents, academics and healthcare professionals to provide emotional support for parents, guardians, and carers of children with cancer, funded by Bethany’s Wish – Wilms Tumour Fund. Since then, thanks to additional funding from Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group, Leeds Cares Charity, and more recently Mentally Fit York via the Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre, the programme has helped nearly 300 parents, guardians, and carers learn tools to manage stress and build resilience.
Participants have found the programme helpful, offering techniques like mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and goal setting to support them through the emotional ups and downs of caring for a child with cancer. As one parent shared: “The Hope Programme gave me tools to rebuild my emotional strength. I’ve learned how to manage my stress and anxiety in ways I didn’t think were possible.”
As part of the programme, participants also benefit from live Q&A sessions with Dr Bob, whose expertise in supporting families through cancer treatment comes from his role as a paediatric oncologist. These sessions allow participants to ask any questions, share concerns and meet others. One parent shared: "Having direct access to Dr Bob during the Q&A made a real difference. It helped me feel heard and supported in ways I hadn’t expected."
Prof Phillips’ research evaluation of the Hope Programme found that participants reported significant improvements in their mental health and resilience. At the start, two-thirds of parents had low mental health scores, but by the end of the course, this dropped to just 8%, with none in the most severe category.
One participant reflected on the shared experiences: “Connecting with others going through the same thing made me feel less alone. It was comforting to know I wasn’t the only one struggling.”
Many report feeling more in control of their emotions, better able to cope with their child’s treatment, and more supported by the peer networks they’ve built through the programme.
In November, we are offering the next free Hope Programme for parents, guardians, and carers of children with cancer. Starting on 5th November for 6 weeks, the course is flexible and designed to fit around the demands of hospital visits, work, and family life.
If you or someone you know could benefit from emotional support, please join our free course this November. You don’t have to face this alone. To sign up or learn more, visit here.
Still not sure what to expect? Here’s a quick video from Kai’s mom Beth.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (#CCAM)
Get involved and change the future for children with cancer