Personalised family support at every stage of the journey
Momentum Children’s Charity provides family support through childhood cancer and serious illness.
Following a referral from one of our hospital partners, or community teams, a dedicated Family Support Worker provides emotional and practical help in hospital and at home, for as long as needed.
We’re here to keep families moving forward
A diagnosis of cancer or a life-challenging condition can make life feel as though it has stopped in its tracks, replaced by a ‘new normal’ that is overwhelming and frightening. This is where our Family Support Team comes in.
We’re here to make that new normal feel less complicated, offering emotional support, practical advice and guidance and finding the best ways to support every member of the family, so that no one feels like they are facing the future alone.
Every step of the way
Following a referral from one of our hospital or community partners, a Family Support Worker will be in touch within a few days. They will become the main point of contact, so families know exactly who to call when they need support. If they would like to, families can also meet with them regularly.
Our Family Support Workers will take the time to understand what matters to each family. They can offer practical and emotional support, explain the different services available and help access the right support, both in hospital and at home.
We understand that a family’s needs may change over time. At a point when many things can feel outside their control, we will be guided by them. The level of contact and support we provide will always be shaped around each family.
If they feel ready to step away from regular support, we will make sure families have the tools they need to keep moving forward.
“She was exactly what we needed at that moment… kind, empathetic and caring.”
A Momentum supported mother
For families we support
Respite breaks
When families need to get away from the stress of difficult treatment plans, or just want to enjoy some precious time together, our holiday cabins and river boat tick all the boxes.
Family events
Our events give families the opportunity to come together, meet others who may understand what they are going through, and enjoy time away from the day to day. If you would like to take part in one of our events, see whats on below.
Trips & experiences
Navigating a serious illness can be all-consuming. We look for ways to give our families a little lift that helps them smile and escape the day to day when they need it most.
Social work service
Our specialist social worker can help families to access grants and benefits that they are entitled to, as well as providing support around any housing, education or employment concerns.
Therapies
We have a wide range of therapy services available to family members of any age. These can be accessed from home or in hospital, and are available when needed.
Get more help
When your child is diagnosed, it can feel overwhelming, and you may have questions about what comes next. When you feel ready, these organisations offer specialist information and support to help you find the answers you need.
How to contact your family support team
Our supported families receive contact details for their personal Family Support Worker. The team also visit our partner hospitals every week, so will be available to families there too.
The family support team can also be reached via our main office phone number:
Need urgent help?
In an emergency or if someone is at immediate risk of harm: Call 999
Our Family Support Team works during normal office hours and will always do our best its respond as soon as we can.
There may be times when you or a family member needs more immediate support than we are able to provide. If you need urgent help, please contact the services best placed to support you.
- If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm: Call NHS 111 and select the Mental Health option, or contact Samaritans on 116 123 (available 24 hours a day)
- If you have a safeguarding concern about a child or vulnerable adult: Please contact your local Children’s Services or Adult Social Care safeguarding team
Please note that Momentum is not an emergency, crisis intervention or mental health service, and messages sent outside our normal working hours will not be monitored until the next working day.
