This Brain Tumour Awareness Month we are sharing the stories of five families, all have been supported by Tom’s Trust clinical psychologists, in our ‘The moment our life changed’ campaign.
The videos that will be shared throughout March on our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn) see our families talk about how they felt in that moment that they were told about their child’s brain tumour diagnosis – about the aftermath, the rollercoaster and uncertainty. The families then touch on how the work of Tom’s Trust has helped them along their journeys.
Our families in this campaign have all been supported by a Tom’s Trust clinical psychologist. Our clinical psychologists support hundreds of children and young people and thousands of family members, within hospitals in the East, North-East, North-West, and Thames Valley; helping them from diagnosis, through brutal treatment and as they return to life at home. We also provide compassionate support to families facing the heart-breaking reality of their child dying from this devastating disease. Our work makes a real difference and if we were not here offering this support there would be nothing there to pick up families after they hear the devastating news ‘your child has a brain tumour’.
Throughout the clinical psychologists work they will carry out cognitive, psychological, and emotional assessments of the child and the results from this help to form a pathway of care and provide a benchmark for any future progress or decline. Also offered is access to one-to-one support, school liaison reintegration, whole-family support, and group counselling sessions. Supporting one child and their family costs £3,335 per year.
The start of Tom’s Trust
Tom’s Trust itself was founded when nine-year-old Tom Whiteley died from a brain tumour. He and his family faced the ordeal without any psychological support. Tom’s parents were determined to change this for others, and they founded Tom’s Trust in 2011, which is now the UK’s only charity dedicated to providing mental health support for children with brain tumours and their families. See our co-founder Debs Whitely talk about her experience.
Why is Tom’s Trust needed?
Approximately 10 children and young people aged 0-19 are diagnosed with a brain tumour each week in the UK. Many will experience serious mental health issues as a result of their tumour, and 62% of those who survive will then live with life-long disabilities.
There is also a common misconception that children treated for brain tumours make a full recovery. The reality is that a brain tumour is emotionally, physically, and mentally devastating, and for children and young people the impact of their medical treatment can continue to unfold for years afterwards. A brain tumour diagnosis is also traumatic for the whole family and has a huge effect on the long-term wellbeing of everyone involved. Early intervention and assessment of key areas of brain function can reduce the likelihood of long-term disabilities and provide the best chance for children and young people to get back to school, resume their lives and go on to achieve their full potential.
Help families today
Help parents hearing the words ‘your child has a brain tumour’ with a donation to Tom’s Trust. Thank you.
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