'A vital resource'- patients & families coping with cancer at Blackpool Victoria Hospital to get extra support
Patients and families coping with a cancer diagnosis at Blackpool Victoria Hospital will now receive extra support thanks to special kits funded by the hospital’s charity.
Blue Skies has funded 45 Family Support Kits, 15 decks of Cancer Question Cards and 10 parenting packs with “tips and advice for parenting with cancer” to support families who are facing a cancer diagnosis.
What do the kits provide?
A spokesperson for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “A cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult experiences a family will ever go through, including those living with a terminal illness. Having the right support in place can make an enormous difference and these specially-designed kits aim to help families talk openly and honestly, providing age-appropriate resources for children and young people from early years through to teenagers.”
Each Family Support Kit includes practical and comforting tools to help children understand what is happening and express how they are feeling. Items include:
• Body maps to explain treatment
• Worry boxes to help children share and manage concerns
• Teddies and pocket friends for reassurance
• Playing cards and activity prompts to encourage conversation
• Calendars to support understanding of appointments and routines
• Resources to help regulate emotions and identify feelings
The Cancer Question Cards complement the kits by offering gentle prompts that help parents navigate some of the most challenging conversations they may ever have with their children.
Families across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre will now benefit from this enhanced support.
What has the hospital said about the new kits?
Kerrie, Macmillan Personalised Care Improvement Facilitator at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, said:“It’s amazing that the cancer team can now offer patients such a vital resource to help support one of the most difficult conversations they may have with their children.
“We know that for many patients, a cancer diagnosis brings not only significant health challenges but also financial strain, so with the support of Blue Skies Hospitals Fund, families across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre will have access to additional help at a time when they need it most.”
Tell me more about the Blue Skies charity
Blue Skies Hospitals Fund is committed to funding projects that improve patient and family experience across Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
These Family Support Kits are an example of how the generosity of fundraisers helps provide compassion, comfort and care, supporting whole families through difficult times.
Find out how you can support Blue Skies here: Home - Blue Skies.