Young People:

If somebody in your family has a serious illness, or has died...

... then all sorts of things can start to happen

v people worry more and begin to behave differently

v family members become more irritable and short-tempered

v roles and responsibilities change, which may feel uncomfortable for you

v your experience can begin to isolate you from your friends

v You may have lots of thoughts and feelings which others don't seem to understand;

v You may have questions which people are unable or unwilling to answer;

v You might want information and not be sure how to get it.

Because the adults in your family are upset and worried, you may think you shouldn't talk to them about your own worries and fears, or you might be confused and have trouble working out just how you feel.

It can be very helpful to meet with someone who is able to hear what things are like for you, help you explore what you are thinking and feeling, and support you in finding your own ways of coping with what is happening. We would be very pleased to offer you this sort of support.

We sometimes run a group for young people, and this can be a good way of meeting up with others in a similar situation to your own – to talk and have fun together. Contact us if you think this might be for you.

In confidence

What you share with us will be kept confidential (that means we don't share it with parents, teachers or others without your consent). We will be happy to talk with you about the very few exceptions to this, when we meet.

Meeting up

We have a comfortable, friendly room here at Beechwood. If talking isn't 'your thing', then there are plenty of art materials you can use to help you express what is going on for you. If coming to Beechwood feels a bit scary at first, we can always arrange an informal chat in a coffee bar somewhere, or perhaps come to your home.

Contacting us doesn't commit you to lots of sessions. You are welcome to try us out on a 'one-off' basis, and see how it goes!

Contacting us

If you are under 16 years old, you will need to ask an adult family member to contact us for you.
If you are 16 years or over, you can contact Beechwood directly yourself if you wish.

Our phone number is 0161 476 0384 – ask for Family Support.
If we can't answer in person, please leave us a message letting us know how to contact you and we will get in touch as soon as we can.

You can also e-mail us: family@beechwoodcancercare.co.uk

For further details: