Support groups for parents, bereaved parents, patients, siblings and bereaved siblings

Why offer this support?

A childhood cancer diagnosis touches every member of the family. Support groups provide a safe and compassionate space where parents, children, siblings, and bereaved families can share their experiences, find comfort, and realize they are not alone. 

To truly meet families where they are, the programme should be trauma-informed, family-centred, age-appropriate, and respectful of diverse cultures, languages, and family structures. A trauma-informed approach creates conditions that support healing, learning and effective communication. 

Flexibility is essential, as many families face challenges such as transport, childcare, work commitments, or living in different countries. When created with care, support groups become more than meetings—they become a community of hope, understanding, and connection, walking alongside families through treatment, survivorship, and bereavement.

Who will benefit from this support?

Parents and caregivers often face significant stress while navigating their child’s treatment and balancing family, work, and personal well-being. A support group offers a safe, understanding space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others on a similar journey. Through emotional support and practical insights, parents and caregivers can strengthen their coping skills, communicate more confidently with healthcare teams, and feel more supported in their caregiving role. 

Parents who have experienced the loss of a child often carry a deep and enduring grief. A support group offers a safe, compassionate space where their child is remembered, their grief is acknowledged, and they can share their experiences with others who truly understand. Together, they can find support through significant dates, family changes, and the ongoing journey of grief. The group helps reduce feelings of isolation, affirms that each person’s grief is unique, encourages healthy mourning, and, when the time feels right, may offer opportunities to support other bereaved families. 

Children receiving treatment often experience many changes that can feel confusing or overwhelming. They may feel scared, experience pain, miss their friends and school, notice changes in how they look, or feel sad about missing out on the everyday activities they enjoy. A support group gives children a fun, safe, and welcoming space to meet other children who understand what they are going through. Through play, creative activities, and conversation, they can make friends, share their feelings, learn helpful ways to cope, build confidence and resilience, and feel less alone and less anxious during their treatment journey. 

Siblings of children with cancer often experience a wide range of emotions that can be difficult to understand or express. They may feel lonely, worried, left out, guilty, angry, or anxious, and these feelings can sometimes affect their behaviour or school life. A support group provides a safe and caring space where siblings can talk about their experiences, learn more about cancer in an age-appropriate way, build resilience, and connect with other children who are on a similar journey. Being with peers who understand can help them feel seen, heard, supported, and reassured that they are not alone. 

Finally, the death of a brother or sister is a profound loss that can have a lasting impact on a child’s or young person’s life. Bereaved siblings benefit from having their grief recognised and from a safe, supportive space where they can remember their sibling, share memories, and express their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel right for them. As children grow, their understanding of grief may change, and ongoing support can help them navigate this journey. A bereavement support group offers connection with others who have experienced a similar loss, helping to reduce feelings of isolation, encourage healthy emotional expression, and foster resilience and well-being over time.

What should we know to run this programme successfully?

Successful support groups are built on a safe, welcoming, and well-planned environment and should offer a compassionate, inclusive space where participants feel heard, supported, and connected with others who understand their journey. 

Key considerations include:

- Clear purpose: Define who the group is for and its goals.

- Skilled facilitation: Facilitators should create a safe, respectful space, encourage participation, and manage group dynamics.

- Ground rules: Agree on confidentiality, respect, and allowing everyone the opportunity to share.

- Consistent structure: Use a regular format with time for check-in, discussion or activities, and closing.

- Accessibility: Choose a convenient venue and time, and consider transport, childcare, or online options where appropriate.

- Online / virtual support groups offer a practical and accessible alternative to face-to-face meetings, helping families overcome barriers such as travel, distance, time constraints, and caregiving responsibilities. They provide a safe space for connection, mutual support, and shared learning, regardless of location.

- Referral and support: Have clear referral pathways for participants who may need additional individual support.

- Regular evaluation: Seek feedback to ensure the group continues to meet participants' needs.

Read more

- Dr Pritika Gonsalves. n.d. Start a Support Group: A step-by-step Guide. Mental Happy. https://www.mentalhappy.com/blog/start-a-support-group-a-step-by-step-guide#section-0

- Chris Hampton. n.d. Creating and Facilitating Peer Support Groups. Community Toolbox. Center for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/implement/enhancing-support/peer-support-groups/main

- National Spinal Cord Injury Resource Centre. n.d. Tips for starting a Support or Discussion Group. https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/tips-for-starting-a-support-or-discussion-group.pdf

- Brandon. 2025. How To Start A Support Group: A Step-by-Step Guide. LearnUpNest. https://learnupnest.com/how-to-start-a-support-group/

- RSDSA. n.d. How to start a support group. Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association. https://rsds.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/RSDSA-Starting-a-Support-Group.pdf