Community Support
Bringing families together through shared experience
Living through childhood cancer can feel incredibly isolating. Even with strong medical care and professional support, nothing compares to connecting with someone who truly understands what you are going through.
Our Community Support pillar brings families together through groups and events where children, young people, siblings, parents and wider family members can meet others who are facing similar challenges. Peer-to-peer support often makes the biggest difference, families feel less alone, more understood and more hopeful.
Our team gently facilitates each group, but the real strength comes from families supporting families.
We currently offer:
- SOS Monthly Groups - Share Our Strength (Colchester & Basildon)
- Buddy Up – Teen Social Group
- Beneficiary Events throughout the year
Each of these has its own dedicated page where you can learn more and find upcoming dates.
Share Our Strength (SOS) Community Group
Our SOS groups bring together:
- children and young people with cancer
- siblings
- parents and carers
- wider family members
These relaxed, friendly sessions give families space to:
- meet others who understand
- share experiences, challenges and successes
- build supportive friendships
- access gentle emotional support
SOS groups are currently held in Colchester and Battlesbridge, but we are hoping to expand to other areas in the future. If you would like to help us start a new group in your area, please contact Vicky – vnash@lennoxccf.org.uk.
Buddy Up – Monthly Teen Group
Teenagers facing cancer are often the most isolated. Their friends may not understand, school life becomes disrupted, and they can feel caught between childhood and adulthood while managing intense emotions and experiences.
Our Buddy Up group is a monthly meet-up designed exclusively for teens living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis. It creates a safe, age-appropriate environment where young people can:
- meet others their age who share similar experiences
- talk openly about treatment, school, friendships or anything on their mind
- take part in social activities that build confidence and connection
- make friendships that continue beyond the sessions
A key aim of Buddy Up is to help young people form ongoing connections. We encourage teens to stay in touch by phone or messaging between sessions, supporting each other throughout the month not just on the day of the group.
Buddy Up is all about building real, ongoing friendships that help teenagers feel stronger, less alone and more understood.
Beneficiary Events
Throughout the year, we host a wide range of events for families supported by Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund. These events offer:
- a break from treatment and hospital life
- an opportunity to make positive memories together
- relaxed spaces to meet other families
- activities that bring joy, connection and relief
Events may include family fun days, seasonal celebrations, outings and special experiences designed specifically for the children and young people we support.
Upcoming dates and booking details will be listed on our Beneficiary Events page.
Why Community Support Matters
Children, teenagers and parents often tell us that meeting just one other person who understands their journey makes a world of difference.
Community Support:
- reduces isolation
- builds lasting friendships
- offers understanding without explanation
- strengthens emotional wellbeing
- helps families feel seen and included
These groups complement our emotional, educational and practical support, offering a sense of community that many families say they didn’t realise they needed until they found it.
Get Involved or Find Out More
If you would like to join one of our groups, attend an event, or talk about what might be right for your family, we would love to hear from you.
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.
