Support for Parents After the Death of a Child

Gentle Support, at Your Pace

The death of a child to cancer is a profound and life altering loss.

Grief can affect every part of life, emotionally, physically and practically. It can also have a deep impact on relationships. Grief is lifelong, and there is no right or expected way to experience it.

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, in partnership with Cancer Fund for Children, is now funding dedicated bereavement support for parents whose child has died from cancer. This service exists to support you, gently, respectfully and at your pace.

Logo for The Children's Cancer Unit Charity, featuring a stylized smiling face formed by interlocking letters "C" in blue and orange, accompanied by the charity's name in blue, orange, and pink text—resembling a default kit of hope and positivity.
Cancer Fund for Children Logo

What this service offers

Therapeutic support
A safe space to talk
Support in your home
Phone support
Up to three years
Three adults are seated indoors, engaged in conversation. The woman facing the camera wears glasses and a beige jacket; the man beside her wears a black vest. The setting suggests a grief counseling or bereavement support session.

How can we support you?

You will be supported by Lynn, an experienced Cancer Support Specialist, who has an understanding of the unique grief experienced by parents following the death of their child.

Support is offered with care and compassion, in a way that feels right for you.

Individual support for parents

Therapeutic support

Individual therapeutic and emotional support, offered with care and compassion.

A safe space to talk

Talk openly about your child, your grief and your experience.

Where you feel comfortable

Support in your home, your community, or another place where you feel most at ease.

Ongoing phone support

Phone support is available, wherever it is helpful to you.

Support for up to three years

There is no need to rush. Support is available for up to three years.

Connecting with other bereaved parents

Optional opportunities to connect with others who understand.

Peer support groups

Monthly peer support groups for bereaved parents.

Retreats and short breaks

Gentle retreats and short breaks designed specifically for bereaved families.

Social opportunities

Social opportunities that recognise how isolating grief can be.

Two people sit facing each other in a room, engaged in conversation. One person has short, light hair and the other wears a dark vest. Children's toys are visible in the background, suggesting a setting for loss support or bereavement support.

Who is this support for?

This service is available to parents whose child (aged 0 to 24) has died from cancer within the last 2 years.

You do not need to be in crisis to access support. Many parents seek help months or even years after their child’s death, as grief changes and new challenges emerge.

Three adults sit and talk together in a modern office setting; two women and one man are seated on sofas, engaged in conversation about bereavement support.

How to access the service

Support can be accessed:

All support is provided with care, respect and confidentiality.

Your child matters. You matter.

Whether you have a question, need support, or want to learn more about our work, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today, and a member of our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

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