Candlelighters In Your Community

Why was Candlelighters in Your Community introduced?

At Candlelighters, we are always looking at new ways to support our families. In 2019 Candlelighters conducted a research project with families and professionals to see how we could further expand our support services. We found that families felt increasingly isolated when they returned home from hospital or after a bereavement, and they wanted more support closer to home.

We want our families to know that Candlelighters' support is here for them for as long as they need it. So, we have launched Candlelighters in Your Community to ensure families feel well supported across Yorkshire, no matter the distance.

A team of Candlelighters community support workers are based in communities across Yorkshire providing all of our support services to families at home and in their local area.

How does Candlelighters in Your Community benefit families?

Candlelighters in Your Community aims to reduce the barriers that some families face when trying to access support and makes our services more accessible to all families across Yorkshire. Our Community Support Team work flexibly to ensure families have the support they need when they need it most.

This support can take many forms:

  • 1-1 support to assess a family's needs - this could be a phone call, email or in-person to discuss any emotional, practical or financial support.
  • Walks & talks in local areas with other families affected by childhood cancer.
  • Wellbeing Days where families can book a massage or relaxation treatment.
  • Groups and events for all family members, allowing them to meet others on a similar journey.
  • Fundraising advice
  • Introduction to other charities and organisations

These support services aim to reduce isolation, allow families to meet others affected by childhood cancer and take the services offered at The Square across Yorkshire. Whatever type of support families need, they will be sure to meet a friendly face who will do their best to help them.

How can families access community support?

Candlelighters have Community Support Workers who cover all areas of Yorkshire. To find out more about the Community Support Worker for your area, email us at [email protected].

Alternatively, families can speak to their Social Worker or Outreach Nurse, who will put them in touch with the team.

A Community Support Worker will contact a newly diagnosed family once they have received their new patient grant from Candlelighters. An email will be sent out to families with an introduction from the Community Support Worker, detailing what support they can provide and how families can access it.

Our stories

Champ’s Christmas Raffle has been Drawn!
17-12-20Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
As of this morning, we can confirm the winning numbers of Champ’s Christmas Raffle 2020! They are… 1st prize – 5006850 2nd prize – 5007500 3rd prize – 5094100 4th prize – 5088026 5th prize – 5092864   Thanks again to everyone who entered and congratulations to our lucky winners! Thanks to all of your …
Thank You Once Again to The Susie P Foundation
01-12-20Our stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
We are delighted to have received a grant of £2,000 from The Susie P Charitable Foundation, who are a continued supporter of Candlelighters. This grant will provide a Candlelighters Christmas Grant for 20 families. We know how difficult this year has been for many of our families and how this year more than ever, Christmas …
Company of the Month… Mowgli!
29-10-20Our stories • Posted by Sean Donnelly
This month’s Company of the Month is Mowgli! Mowgli chose to start supporting Candlelighters in early 2020 at their newly opened Leeds restaurant on Boar Lane. Mowgli already has restaurants in Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield among other cities, the Leeds restaurant was due to open in March however this had to be postponed due to …
Your very own spook-tacular Colour in Champ! 
13-10-20Our stories • Posted by Sean Donnelly
Boo! Fancy an afternoon of fun Halloween crafting? Why not get started with our very own spook-tacular Colour in Champ!  We would Lo-o-o-o-oVE to see your very scary creations… why not send in a photo to our inbox, [email protected] or tag us on social media? DOWNLOAD your colouring-in sheet here: Halloween Champ!  
Meet Hattie
18-09-20Our stories • Posted by Sean Donnelly
BE BRAVE, BE BOLD, BE GOLD!  ‘This is Hattie. She has just turned two and was diagnosed with a mediastinal (chest) germ cell tumour in May 2020. Symptoms began to show around 2-3 weeks before Hattie’s diagnosis. She had temperatures similar to that shown when teething or with a viral infection. When they continued for …

Your stories

Tails in the Dales!
17-12-20Your stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
We spoke to Ian Broadbent, author of children’s book series, ‘Tails in the Dales’, which follow the adventures of Charlie the dog, on his farm. Ian has very kindly decided to donate the profits from the sale of his books to Candlelighters and we are incredibly grateful! Read on to find out more about Ian …
Meet Elijah and his family.
07-12-20Your stories • Posted by Sean Donnelly
Meet Elijah and his family. Here is his Mum, Lauren to tell you a little about their cancer journey and how your donations have helped to support their family.  ‘We were first introduced to Candlelighters on Ward 31, when my son Elijah was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at 19 months old in July 2016 and they …
Fundraising Story – B.O.B.’s Baubles
04-12-20Your stories • Posted by Gaby Stead
Today we’d like to share with you another beautiful fundraising story – B.O.B.’s Baubles. ‘At five years old, Blake Holdsworth became very ill and after three months of doctors appointments and hospital trips, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL). His treatment of chemotherapy and steroids started straight away, with six months of intensive …
Rhian’s Story
26-11-20Your stories • Posted by Sean Donnelly
‘Hi everyone, I’m Julie, Mum to Rhian and Keeley.  Rhian was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) shortly after her 5th birthday in 2015. She completed her treatment in August 2017 and was clear of cancer for 20 months. She sadly relapsed in April 2019 and then during her treatment for this relapse, she relapsed …
Hello everyone, my name is Ellen, I’m 58-year-old grandma or Mama Ell to Isla & Max.
20-11-20Your stories • Posted by Sean Donnelly
Hello everyone, my name is Ellen, I’m 58-year-old grandma or Mama Ell to Isla & Max. I live in Wakefield and have two lovely daughters Rachel & Elizabeth and an amazing son in law Matthew. Sadly my husband died April 2018 he was a devoted and very special grandad to Isla & Max… when Isla …