The Joshua Tree expands specialist childhood cancer support across Manchester
The Joshua Tree, a charity supporting families of children and young people diagnosed with cancer, is expanding its services across Greater Manchester to bring specialist emotional health and wellbeing support closer to home.
Supported by a transformational four-year grant from The Kentown Wizard Foundation, The Joshua Tree will launch a dedicated team in Greater Manchester to increase support delivered within local communities. The charity is also continuing to raise funds and plans to open a new Support Centre in the region.
Rich Driffield, CEO of The Joshua Tree, said:
“This is a hugely significant step in our ambition to ensure that no family faces childhood cancer alone.
“We already support families across Greater Manchester, and we’re hearing clearly that there is a need for more specialist emotional health and wellbeing support delivered locally.
“Thanks to the support of the Kentown Wizard Foundation, we can reach more children, young people and families earlier in their journey and ensure they receive the support they need, when they need it most.”
Increase in referrals for support
A cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, bringing challenges that extend far beyond medical treatment. Through its two existing Support Centres in Cheshire and North Wales, community outreach programmes and digital services, The Joshua Tree provides specialist counselling, physical and complementary therapies, practical support, and opportunities for families to connect with others facing similar experiences.
Established in 2006 by parents Dai and Lynda Hill when their son Joshua was diagnosed with Leukaemia, The Joshua Tree has become a lifeline for hundreds of families affected by childhood cancer. Requests for support reached new heights following its inspiring appearance on BBC Children in Need’s DIY SOS special.
Shaping support around local needs
The expansion builds on the charity’s growing presence in Greater Manchester, where it has received 64 referrals since the beginning of 2024 and developed strong relationships with healthcare professionals and clinical services across the region.
The charity’s ambition is to reach families earlier in their cancer journey, ensuring that emotional health and wellbeing are prioritised alongside clinical treatment.
As part of its expansion, The Joshua Tree will also strengthen its relationships with local charities and services, including Kentown Support, which provides specialist children’s palliative and end-of-life care. By working together, the organisations aim to complement existing services, avoid duplication and ensure families can access the support that’s right for them.
Dr Helena Dunbar, CEO of Kentown Support, said:
“We are delighted that The Joshua Tree’s expansion into Greater Manchester will enable it to reach more children living with cancer. Kentown Support’s community-based children’s palliative and end-of-life care programme is addressing significant gaps in provision across Greater Manchester, and we welcome organisations working together to give families access to a wider range of services. I look forward to seeing families benefit from what both organisations can offer.”
Danielle Percival, Head of Family Support at The Joshua Tree, said:
“A childhood cancer diagnosis changes life for the whole family, and getting the right support shouldn’t mean adding more travel and pressure to an already incredibly difficult time.
“This is an opportunity to build something alongside Greater Manchester families from the very beginning. We’ll listen to what they need, work with the professionals and organisations already supporting them, and make sure our services develop around the families who will use them.”
This phased approach will help the charity understand where demand is greatest, identify gaps in support and inform the search for a permanent Greater Manchester Support Centre.
Davina Hartley, Programme Manager at North West Children’s Cancer Operational Delivery Network, said:
“Expanding access to The Joshua Tree’s services across Greater Manchester will strengthen the support available to children and young people with cancer and their families, helping them access specialist emotional health and wellbeing services closer to home when they need them most.”
The expansion marks an important milestone in The Joshua Tree’s long-term ambition to ensure that every family affected by childhood or young adult cancer can access specialist emotional health and wellbeing support, regardless of where they live. By building on existing partnerships and listening closely to local families, the charity aims to create a lasting support network for those navigating one of life’s most challenging journeys.
Make a Referral
If your family is affected by childhood cancer, The Joshua Tree is here to support you.
http://thejoshuatree.org.uk/access-our-services/
Support our work
Help The Joshua Tree reach more families affected by childhood cancer.
https://thejoshuatree.org.uk/how-you-can-help/
