February 9th – 15th marks Children’s Mental Health Week, a time to reduce stigma around mental health and create inclusive environments for children and young people to feel empowered.
This year, Children’s Mental Health Week focuses on encouraging children and young people to feel a sense of belonging, whether at school, home or in their communities, through the theme, “this is my place”.
For every child, and their family, supported by us, Candlelighters may help to create that sense of belonging during a difficult time. Whether it’s a visit to our Family Support Centre at The Square, a cup of coffee and a chat with our Family Support Team over at the hospital, or at one of our peer support groups.
Candlelighters hosts groups and events throughout the year, for grandparents, parents and siblings (aged 5-15). Our groups offer a safe space to meet other families affected by childhood cancer and be with people who really understand.
We caught up with our Projects and Events Manager, Lucy J, to find out more about our sibling support groups.
“It’s a chance to spend time with children that ‘get it’”, Lucy explains, “they can come and be themselves.”
At Candlelighters, we hold regular support groups for children aged 5-15 with a sibling affected by childhood cancer. We offer a super sibs group, as well as a bereaved super sibs group. We also take all our siblings away together on our annual sibling residential, and host days out throughout the year for the whole family to attend together.
“In terms of what we do at groups, it’s all focused around fun and there’s all different activities available,” Lucy says.
Most sessions will have arts and crafts to get involved in, as well as quieter areas for the children to play in, all to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone.
“And we always have pizza and snacks, pizza is a priority!”
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can turn family life upside down, and for siblings, it can be a worrying and overwhelming time. You don’t have to have all the answers, but connection, creativity and gentle support at the support groups can make a real difference.
“It’s a chance to build friendships, and it offers time to interact with other people their own age,” Lucy says.
“And it’s about enjoying themselves, and being them, and not worrying about what might be going on in their lives.”
There’s no pressure at the group; it’s a space designed specifically just for those siblings where they can get creative and spend time with other people who understand the big feelings they might be experiencing.
“Above everything else, they say, “I’ve had so much fun!”, they’ve had a really nice time just chatting with people and doing crafts.”
Whether you’ve been to a group before, or are considering coming along, we’re here for everyone.
“Our groups are for everyone, anyone newcoming, it can make a really big difference for that sibling to be provided with that space.”
You can find out more about our family support groups, and view our events calendar here.
