No one quite understands childhood cancer like other families facing it. Our groups offer a safe space to meet family members affected by childhood cancer in Yorkshire and be with people who 'get it'.

About support groups

We host groups and events throughout the year for parents and carers, grandparents, patients and siblings. Each group is organised and attended by a member of the Candlelighters team and usually involves a relaxing or fun activity like afternoon tea or crazy golf! You might like to attend a group to share your experiences but there is no pressure or expectation to do this. You might prefer just to take part in the activity and that’s fine too. Either way, attending a group with other family members can help provide some comfort and a sense of community. Groups tend to be 3-4 hours long.

Who are support groups for?

At Candlelighters, we host groups for:

  • Mums
  • Dads
  • Grandparents
  • Patients (ages 5-15)
  • Siblings (ages 5-15). We also host an annual residential trip just for siblings.

Family members are welcome to attend groups right from the point of diagnosis and for as long as is needed. Support groups can offer longer-term support, helping families to navigate life after treatment or bereavement.

When are they?

We host three groups each year for parents and grandparents. For patients and siblings, we host four groups each year. You can see when the next group events are taking place on our family events calendar.

How to book a place

Each event has an online form to fill in to confirm your attendance. For young people’s groups, a parent or carer should fill in the form for them. You can find the forms in the family events section of our website. If you’d like to hear about support groups as soon as they are announced, you can sign up for email updates.

I have asked him why he likes to go to Candlelighters and his response is simple: 'Because no one asks me what's wrong with me, why my hair is like it is or why I have a scar. They just see me as Leighton.'

- Kerry, mum to Leighton

Need more info?

Our friendly family support team are on hand to help. Get in touch by phone or email.