Cancer support group has launched kids service

ANEW children and young people’s service is being launched by a Halton charity which supports residents whose lives have been affected by cancer.

Widnes And Runcorn Cancer Support Group is working with schools in the area to offer a free service which provides emotional and psychological support within their setting to minimize the disruption to a child’s schooling.

The support available is also extended to teaching staff, parents and carers.

Adult counselling has long been a core service offered by the charity and in recent months has been considerably extended meaning there are now counselling appointments available daily.

The new service includes group work and one-to-one sessions with a trained, experienced counsellor and uses tailored work books which encourage and enable children to explore their feelings and understand how cancer has impacted them and their family.

They are also given the chance to create a ‘tool kit’ of ways to identify and deal with how they are feeling to inspire coping mechanisms and resilience.

The charity is currently working with Westfield Primary School and The Grange but the opportunity is now there for any school within the borough to refer children to this service if they believe that they and their family would benefit from support.

Westfield headteacher Claire Doors said: “It has been a rewarding experience for the pupils who have had the opportunity to work on issues connected with cancer.

“They have been able to explore their feelings and thoughts on how cancer has affected them. All children have benefited from and thoroughly enjoyed the sessions.”

To help launch the service, a family day will be held on Saturday, June 17.

It is part of the Great Get Together Weekend where events will be held up and down the country in memory of MP Jo Cox.

The Great Get Together will be held between 1.30pm and 4pm at The Centre on Alforde Street, Widnes and is open to all families.

There will be plenty of activities including face painting, arts and crafts, cake decorating and a prize raffle.

For more information call 0151 423 5730, or email info@widnesandruncorncancersupport.org.uk