We understand the trauma that comes with a diagnosis of childhood cancer.
Through our Family Support Service, we aim to reach out to families during or post-treatment to reassure them know they are not alone and to connect them with important resources to help them throughout their journey.
The Joshua Tree supports families affected by childhood cancers from across Cheshire, the North West of England and North Wales. We deliver support to the child, siblings, parents, grandparents including the child’s school and family friends who would benefit from support and guidance on how best to support a child with cancer or leukaemia.
If you wish to contact a Family Support team member or one of The Joshua Tree family ambassadors, please contact us on 01606 530486 or email familysupport@thejoshuatree.org.uk
“Without the support from The Joshua Tree I know my family would have fallen apart. My son passed away 3½ years ago and through the help and support of The Joshua Tree, my family have been knitted together, through Art Therapy for my daughter Niamh, counselling, regular home visits, days out and so much more. The Joshua Tree is a tower of strength to us and without them, our roots would have crumbled, so thank you!” - Katy (Parent)
“As a family affected by childhood cancer, we have seen first-hand the difference The Joshua Tree can make. They provided practical and emotional support to our whole family at a time when we really didn’t know where else to turn. The counselling provided to my 14-year-old son during his treatment and before his transplant helped him to accept his situation and face the challenges of his treatment programme positively and courageously. His younger sister struggled to understand what was going on and the counselling she received helped her to vocalise her fears and concerns.
The educational support we received, including school liaison and tutoring, enabled my son to carry on with his GCSE’s despite missing a year of school, achieving straight A/A* results. My children now lead normal lives, unburdened by the trauma they went through, which I believe is down to the support we received along the way.” - Sue (Parent)
“We had no social life and to some degree, you lose friends as other friends step up to the mark. Having something positive to do like pottery painting was so simple and a great way to relax and meet other family members going through the same experiences.” - Debbie (Grandparent)
“The service is quite unique - you can't quantify it. The whole experience with The Joshua Tree is that the support is tailored to yours and your children's needs. Even though initially I didn't feel I wanted support, I knew that my children would benefit and meeting other children going through the same experience has been an incredibly positive aspect of the support received from The Joshua Tree.” - Rachael (Parent)
“Saturday Sessions are a key point in our calendar. They allow us as a family to have much needed time away from the confines of treatment, stress and regime and be ‘normal’ family.” - Dominic (Parent)