Hearing that your child has a brain tumour is absolutely devastating. It is also incredibly isolating, scary and full of uncertainty. After listening to the families that we help, and hearing requests for peer support, we have launched new Talk & Support parent and carer online sessions – providing a safe space for families to share experiences and meet others in a similar situation.
About the groups
The group sessions are facilitated by two members of the Tom’s Trust team, are open to all parents and carers who have a child facing a brain tumour diagnosis and are designed to give parents a chance to meet others on a similar journey, learn and find connection.
Topics covered during the group may include managing difficult symptoms/outcomes, the impact on relationships, coping with emotional distress and making sense of why this has happened, for example. Everyone in the group will have the chance to bring what they would like to discuss with the group.
When are the groups?
They run monthly. If you would like to find out more and / or register your interest, please contact our Family Liaison Coordinator laura@tomstrust.org.uk.
Next sessions:
Tuesday 20 May, 5.30pm – 7pm
Wednesday 25 June, 5.30pm – 7pm
Helping parents find support
Dr Meghan Owens, Tom’s Trust clinical psychologist, said: “A brain tumour diagnosis doesn’t just affect the child, it is everyone around the child – family, school, extended family, friends. If you are left to navigate this alone, outcomes for families would be very different. If a parent is struggling, they are not at full capacity to support their child. The families whose children who go on to reintegrate well into school and homelife are the ones who will have had good support.”
Dr Lynda Teape, Tom’s Trust Director of Services Development, said: “Our Talk & Support sessions offer families a chance to find support from those going through similar journeys, to ask questions and share experiences. Through attending these, parents can start to process what they have been through and find comfort in the connection that they can start to develop. We really hope the sessions are a place of hope and ongoing support.”