Our projects

Supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer and their families

We understand the devastating impact on the physical, financial and emotional health and wellbeing of the whole family, both during and after treatment and beyond. To assist with this, Abby’s Heroes supports families with a range of practical measures and programmes to help families going through the harsh reality of childhood cancer.

Welfare Packs

Each family of a newly diagnosed child on either the Piam Brown or the Teenage and Young Adult Unit (TYA) will receive a Welfare Pack which has a voucher for the Hospital Car Park and Gift Cards for the Hospital Outlets at M&S, Costa and WHSmith to help with the initial costs (approx. £120) These are delivered to a family by an Abby's Heroes Family Support Worker on the Piam Brown Ward. On the TYA Ward we have posters and a QR code that is located within the TYA to register.

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Financial Hardship Grants

We offer financial grants to help with the additional costs of caring for your child, teenager, young person during their diagnosis and immediate months following. To access a grant from Abby's Heroes you can use the link below or speak to an Abby's Heroes Family Support Worker who can apply on your behalf. Our grants can be used for a variety of reasons such as help towards the rent or mortgage payment, travel costs to hospital, living costs in hospital, equipment, etc. Using the link below will connect you to one of our Grants Advisors who will assist you in making the application. We pride ourselves in being resposive and understanding to your family's situation and if approved, grants can be completed within the week.
Apply for Grant

End of Treatment Awards

We want children and Young People, together with their families, to acknowledge their courage, strength and determination by “Ringing the Bell” and celebrate with our End of Treatment Award. We understand the gruelling treatment and invasive procedures they have gone through as well as all the missed special occasions they have been too unwell to join in. Each child or Young Person who “Rings the Bell” on Piam Brown or TYA will receive £200 to spend on a treat for themselves. When your child “Rings the Bell” on the Ward, you will be given an envelope and asked to get in touch with us. For TYA, please speak to your YLvsC Social Worker. 

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Counselling Service

We know that the impact of cancer is far wider than the immediate or ongoing treatment, together with the long term effect on a child or the Young Person diagnosed with cancer. We understand the huge range of emotions you may experiencing such as anxiety, fear, exhaustion, feelings of sadness, anger at your family’s situation, loneliness or feelings of helplessness. Many family members continue to juggle the demands of work and childcare which can add to feelings of stress, fatigue and generally being overloaded.

We believe that many parents may find it easier to talk to someone outside of their friends and family and may benefit from speaking to a professional Counsellor. The Counsellor will listen to you and will help you to discuss your feelings and worries. They will help you identify some emotional and physical coping mechanisms. Counselling is completely unique because you can talk freely and with complete honesty as a Counsellor will never judge you or criticise you. They are an impartial individual who sits completely out with your circle of family and friends.

Whether you're in the midst of treatment or are years beyond – it’s vital to get the support you need to cope. We want to ensure that no parent feels alone and unable to seek professional help to support them through the challenges of childhood cancer. Please contact us at info@abbys-heroes.org if you wish to use this service.

Weekly Food Deliveries

Once a week, our Family Support Workers bring a picnic and an evening meal to every family on the Piam Brown Ward. Parents are not provided for whilst in hospital and are often unable to leave their desperately ill child alone whilst they go and buy food in the expensive food outlets downstairs in the hospital. This delivery is warmly welcomed by those on the ward. Friday nights are Domino’s Pizza and Ice Cream Nights and these are personalised by the Family Support Workers who ensure that everyone gets their favourite pizza!

Family Room

Our Family Room on the Piam Brown Ward is a 'home away from home'.  This space has table and chairs, a washing machine with tumble dryer, a fridge with food and ready meals, a coffee making machine and kettle for a cup of tea. This little oasis is a space where families can decompress from the pressures of being on the ward, grab a coffee and chat to other families on the ward.

Play Therapy

Play Therapy is a type of therapy that helps children to explore their feelings, express themselves and make sense of their life experiences. Play is children’s natural medium to learn, communicate and to explore their worlds.

We understand that a child’s cancer diagnosis has a huge impact on children and siblings and so Abby's Heroes will fund Play Therapy for your family, please contact us at info@abbys-heroes.org if you wish to use this service.

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We want to provide the services you need to help you at this most difficult time. If there are any additional services you think might be helpful for families, please do get in touch.