Frequently asked questions

Ruth Strauss Foundation supports families in the UK who are facing or preparing for the incurable cancer diagnosis of a parent or primary caregiver, with a focus on helping families, especially children and young people, navigate one of life’s most challenging experiences.

Here’s how the foundation helps:

• One‑to‑one virtual appointments: Professional practitioners offer tailored guidance to parents and caregivers, helping them prepare for and have honest conversations with their children about their illness and its impact on family life.
• Emotional support and resources: The team provides compassionate guidance, practical support ideas, and free families resources to help children understand what is happening and cope with their feelings.
• Peer support groups: The foundation runs peer groups for teenagers and for parents/co‑parents, giving them the chance to connect with others in similar situations and share experiences in a safe setting.
• Free family resources: Parents can order materials to help explain cancer and future changes to children in an age‑appropriate way.

The foundation also works to raise awareness of the emotional needs of families facing incurable cancer and the importance of preparing children early, and advocates for improved emotional support services nationally.

They offer training programmes for schools and professionals to better support children and families experiencing anticipatory grief and bereavement.

All support from the Ruth Strauss Foundation is free and confidential, and available to families anywhere in the UK where a parent with dependent children is facing an incurable cancer diagnosis

Maggie’s in Leeds, based at St James’s University Hospital, offers free support not just for people living with cancer, but also for their family members, partners, carers, and children. The centre provides a welcoming space where families can drop in without an appointment to chat, access information, or speak confidentially with a trained cancer support specialist.

Families can also take part in courses, workshops, and support groups designed to help them cope with the emotional and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. The team provides guidance on communicating about cancer, managing stress, and understanding what to expect, as well as practical advice on benefits and other services. By offering tailored support for the whole family, Maggie’s helps loved ones care for themselves while supporting the person with cancer

Maggie’s, Yorkshire
St James’s University Hospital
Alma Street
Leeds
LS9 7BE
United Kingdom

The Osborne Trust is a UK charity dedicated to supporting families affected by cancer, with a particular focus on children and young people whose parents are living with the disease. Their work goes beyond medical care to provide practical and emotional assistance that helps families cope with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

Families can access a range of practical support, including financial assistance for essential costs such as travel to hospital appointments, childcare, or household expenses. The trust also offers programmes and resources designed to help children understand and manage the impact of a parent’s illness, including counselling and age-appropriate guidance.

In addition to practical help, the Osborne Trust provides emotional and family support, offering counselling and one-to-one guidance to help families manage stress, communicate effectively, and support children through this difficult time. Workshops and group activities also give families the chance to meet others in similar situations, fostering peer support and community connections.

The Osborne Trust works in partnership with hospitals, schools, and local support organisations to ensure families receive the right help at the right time. All services are free, confidential, and focused on helping families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of living with cancer together.

Phone: 020 8459 6316

Email: info@osbornetrust.org.uk

Website: www.osbornetrust.org.uk 

Families can get in touch directly to access support, request guidance, or find out more about workshops and programmes for children and young people.

Mummy’s Wish is a UK charity dedicated to supporting families where a mother is living with or has died from cancer, with a focus on helping children and young people cope with the impact. Their support is designed to reduce stress, provide practical help, and give emotional support to the whole family.

Practical Support

• Grants for children and families – Funding can help with everyday costs affected by a mother’s illness, such as childcare, school trips, household items, or home adaptations.
• Practical assistance – Families can get help with things like transport, educational resources, or experiences that support children’s wellbeing during or after a mother’s illness.

Emotional and Family Support

• Counselling and emotional support – Children, young people, and families can access age-appropriate counselling or one-to-one support to help them manage grief, stress, or anxiety.
• Workshops and activities – Group sessions and activities allow children to meet others in similar situations, helping them process feelings and build resilience.

Tailored Support for Children

Mummy’s Wish focuses on helping children understand and cope with the emotional impact of their mother’s cancer. They provide guidance, resources, and activities designed to help children feel supported and connected during a challenging time.

All support from Mummy’s Wish is free, confidential, and available across the UK.

Phone: 01932 869 067

Email: info@mummyswish.org.uk

Website: www.mummyswish.org.uk