We are here to help you.

While we hope no child or young person ever has to experience the impact of cancer or bereavement, CancerCare is here for those who do.

Children and young people experience illness, loss and change differently from adults. Due to their age and emotional development, they may find it harder to express how they’re feeling using words. Instead, their emotions often emerge through behaviour or play.

While children may naturally turn to trusted adults for reassurance, the support of peers — and a safe space to explore their feelings — can have a powerful effect on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

That’s why CancerCare offers specialist support tailored to each child or young person’s needs, whether they are facing their own diagnosis, dealing with a loved one’s illness, or coming to terms with a bereavement of any kind.

Children’s Counselling and Play-Based Therapy

Children love to play — and for many, play is how they process the world around them. Our specially trained counsellors use play-based therapy to help younger children express and explore their emotions in a safe, creative way. This may include art and toy-based play therapy and sandbox therapy.

These activities offer valuable insight into how a child is coping with illness or the loss of someone close, allowing our therapists to gently guide them through their emotions and provide support at their pace.

All our centres include dedicated playrooms designed to provide comfort and creative freedom.

For teenagers or older children who prefer a more direct approach, we also offer one-to-one counselling sessions with a therapist experienced in supporting young people.

If your child or someone you care for could benefit from support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Re-Fresh Peer Support Group

Our Re-Fresh Young People’s Peer Support Group provides support for young adults in a supportive and social setting for youngsters aged 5-17 years affected by cancer or bereavement at home.

The group is overseen by experienced youth workers who lead a variety of fun activities including arts and crafts, cooking and games. The meetings take the young people “out of themselves” and acts as a non-judgemental space enabling them to make new friends and support others in similar situations.

Young people experiencing illness or bereavement often say the friends they make at Re-Fresh provide a fresh understand or different perspective on their experiences at home.

Re-Fresh also offers support for young people during school holidays including activities, trips and residentials.

Young people are referred for help from a range of different sources including schools, NHS mental health services and parents. The young people can also refer themselves for help if they think they need it.

Our current Re-Fresh sessions are:

• Monday - Lancaster venue (for 12 to 17 year olds)
  • 4pm - 5pm, homework club
  • 5pm - 7pm, peer support group

• Wednesday - Morecambe venue (for five to 11 year olds)
  • 4pm - 5pm, peer support group

• Friday - Lancaster venue (for 12 to 17 year olds)
  • 4pm - 5pm, drop in and chat
  • 5pm - 7pm, peer support group

*Correct October 2025