How we help
When facing serious childhood illness or bereavement, everyone’s needs are different. Some families need practical advice, some need emotional support, and others simply need time together away from hospital appointments, grief or everyday pressures. We offer a range of personalised support designed to help families feel less alone and able to keep moving forward.
The support we offer
Family support
From the moment a family is referred to us by one of our partner hospitals or community teams, our Family Support team is there to help; every step of the way, for as long as we’re needed.
Echoes bereavement support
Should the unthinkable happen, the bereavement arm of our charity, Momentum Echoes, is there to provide practicial and emotional support to families through their grief.
Respite breaks
Respite breaks give families the chance to spend precious time together somewhere safe, welcoming and close to home. Whether it is a short trip on our river boat or a stay in our holiday cabins, these breaks are designed to support wellbeing and create space for families to rest, reconnect and make memories.
Family trips and experiences
Serious illness and bereavement can be all-consuming, and sometimes families need something positive to look forward to. Bespoke trips and experiences offer a little lift: A chance to escape the day to day, share time together and create moments that are not defined by illness, grief or uncertainty.
Events for families
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. These moments can offer connection, reassurance and something positive to look forward to.
Social work service
Our specialist social work service provides practical support for families who need advice and guidance. This can include help with grants and benefits, as well as housing, education or employment concerns, making it easier for families to access the support they’re entitled to at a difficult time.
Support groups & therapies
Momentum offers a wide range of therapy and wellbeing support for family members of any age, including counselling and creative therapies. Services can be accessed in hospital, at home or remotely, helping children, parents, carers and siblings find the right emotional support when it is needed most.
Signposting to other support services
We can also signpost families to other organisations and specialist services that may be able to provide information, advice or practical help. This includes support groups, befriending services and other support where appropriate.
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 to 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.
Please give today and help support families for as long as they need us.
Registered charity number 1195373 (formerly 1106677)
“Momentum Children’s Charity which has been by the family’s side since day one and which has helped to see us through our darkest days into a bright future for Mabel.”
Celine, from Surbiton