Support programme by Big C Cancer Charity & Jenny Lind

This innovative project offers holistic care and support to children diagnosed with cancer and their families.

In a singular collaboration with Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, a support package provided by the charity helps anyone in the region, no matter where the treatment is received.

The programme is in collaboration with the Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (Image: Julian Claxton photography)

This new support system includes a dedicated family support team offering guidance and assistance, as well as services such as psychological support, counselling, and play therapy.

The charity already operates a Teen and Young Adult Group providing young cancer patients with peer and emotional support plus practical help.

Funding from the Ladies in League Against Cancer, a voluntary fundraising group, has allowed the creation of an adapted area at the Big C Centre in the hospital grounds.

Big C Cancer Charity introduces family support for child cancer patients (Image: Julian Claxton photography)

This calm, child-friendly, fun-filled space enables families to take a break from treatment and appointments in a hospital environment.

There is also an educational psychologist on board, to help children cope and adjust to the cancer diagnosis in the long term.

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.

Big C Cancer Charity has therefore launched a new programme of holistic care and support to offer children with a cancer diagnosis and their families (Image: Julian Claxton photography)

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.”

Service user, Ali Howell said: "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."