Share Our Strength (SOS) - Community Group
Parents can lean into each other; children can play together, and we can all share our strengths to support one another
Strength can come from friendship and healing can be found in people who, despite their own struggles, can lift us up and comfort us.
Share Our Strength
Share Our Strength is a monthly community group that provides a friendly and safe space for families to get together, have a cup of tea and a chat, take part in fun activities (if you’re in the mood) and find support outside of the hospital environment.
Groups are usually on the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of the month at several venues in Essex. It’s the perfect opportunity to speak about emotions that you may not be able to share with family or friends, or it can be time to just meet others who may be a little further along in their journey.
It’s not just about cancer, at each group we organise fun activities such as arts and crafts and games, as well as working with professional art and play therapists.
Why SOS groups matter
Families who have attended in the past have said:
“I finally met someone who understands.”
“It’s the first time I’ve talked to other parents who truly get it.”
“My child made a friend who knows what treatment is like.”
They offer:
- peer-to-peer support
- friendship building
- emotional understanding
- a chance to relax around others who “just get it”
- gentle guidance from our team
What happens at SOS?
Each session is shaped by the families who attend, but they commonly include:
- relaxed conversation for parents
- activities or space for children and siblings
- time for families to share experiences
- chances to talk about worries or milestones
- friendships forming naturally
There is no pressure to share, some families simply come to be in a safe space with others who understand.
Lennox always makes my children feel special. I appreciate them being part of a community that understands them. It gives us all time to relax together and talk to other families if they want to chat.
Join an SOS Group
If you’d like to attend, or want to know more, we’d love to hear from you.
You can also follow us on social media where we usually post information about upcoming SOS groups.
Latest Events
How we help
We are here to help children and their families through childhood cancer with our six pillars of support. Find out how we can help and support your family below.
