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

We need your vote
01-06-17Our stories • Posted by Candlelighters Marketing
Leeds shopping centre The Core has shortlisted Candlelighters as one of its final three charities to be nominated as its charity of the year for 2017-2018. You can vote for us on their Facebook page until midnight on Sunday 4th June. Vote here
Candlelighters Announced as Lord Mayor of Leeds’ Charity
26-05-17Our stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
May has brought some very exciting news! On Friday 26th May, Councillor Jane Dowson was inaugurated as the Lord Mayor of Leeds. At her inauguration, she announced her support for Candlelighters as her official charity for the 2017-18 term. Find out more here: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/howyoucanhelp/official-charity-lord-mayor-leeds-2017-18/ 

Your stories

When Josh met Toby
13-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
On the 30th June, local boxer, Josh Warrington came to visit Candlelighters for the afternoon. Josh is the current WBC and has previously held the European, British and Commonwealth and English featherweight titles. The 26-year old was shown round the ward and spent time with children and families, including some patients in isolation. While doing …
The Three Peaks Poem
11-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
On Sunday 2nd July, Allison Brown, Maria Stephenson and Maria’s fiance, Michael Frankland took part in The Three Peaks challenge to raise money for Candlelighters. Whilst resting at the top of the first peak, Whernside, Author Maria, decided to write a poem for her two-year-old niece Hannah (daughter of Allison and Joseph.) Hannah has Acute …
Candlelighters selected as The White Rosettes barbershop singers chosen charity!
05-07-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Candlelighters are delighted to have been selected as the chosen charity in 2017 by The White Rosettes in Leeds. They are an award-winning ladies barbershop chorus with over 70 members who meet every Wednesday in Leeds for rehearsals. The group are currently preparing to defend their European championship and to seek their 16th gold medal …
Family thank school after they raise over £5000
03-07-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
In November 2013, Gabrielle Alderson was diagnosed with an aggressive form of children’s cancer. After the diagnosis, Gaby herself, as well as family, friends and the school she attended, worked tirelessly to raise money to fund new treatments, research and raise awareness of the disease. After battling Neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of children’s cancer, for …
Coast to Coast bike ride in aid of Candlelighters
29-06-17Your stories • Posted by Lucy Brown
Local supporter, Liz Adamson, recently cycled over 100 miles in four days to raise money for children’s cancer. On 9th June one of our local supporters, Liz, cycled from St Bees all the way to Whitby in just four days whilst raising over £200! She said she had always wanted to complete a Coast To Coast …
Chemo-Duck-A-Thon: Supporters to create patients’ toy outfits for an entire day
23-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Chemo ducks are given to a child diagnosed with cancer being treated at Leeds Children’s Hospital for play therapy and to support and educate children and their families during their diagnosis and treatment for cancer. One of the little extras Candlelighters covers is the cost of new outfits for chemo-ducks; as well as funding play …
Emily writes first book in memory of brother Thomas
05-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
An 11 year old supported by Candlelighters has written her first ever book in memory of her brother Thomas.   After encouragement from a Candlelighters-funded talking therapist, Emily Cammack, from Selby, created ‘Gentleman Sam’, a story about a dog which aims to help readers to identify and cope with feelings of loss. She collaborated with Penny …
York Duo Take On Tri Challenge
02-06-17Your stories • Posted by Elli Pugh
Darren and Shaun, two friends from York, have now embarked on their epic tri challenge which includes kayaking, hiking and cycling, to raise funds for Candlelighters in memory of Nioni Grant. Today (2nd June) is DAY TWO of this massive challenge. Here is an update of how they are getting on… Day One – Involved …