LEGACIES
Supporting children with cancer through adversity M
omentum Children’s Charity supports families across South West London, Surrey and West Sussex whose children are facing cancer or a life-challenging condition. They provide personally tailored support to the entire family, both in hospital and at home, through counselling, creative therapies, special experiences, respite breaks and children’s ward refurbishments. As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, Momentum, like many organisations, has had to deal with cancelled events and fundraising activities, meaning a big drop in income. They’ve also found themselves unable to continue their vital face to face support services in line with government guidance on social distancing. But Coronavirus hasn’t stopped children being diagnosed with cancer or a life-challenging condition. The pandemic has simply added a new level of fear and anxiety for those with a vulnerable or immunocompromised child. It has forced families apart at a time when they need each other most.
That’s why Momentum Children’s Charity has been rapidly adapting to ensure they can continue supporting families who need them. Instead of face to face contact in hospital and family homes, their specialist Family Support Workers have been supporting families via phone, email, Skype and text. Their regular character visits – which brighten up the day for sick children – have continued virtually. Online tutoring services have been provided for isolating children missing out on vital education, and specialist one-to-one counselling has moved online and extended to grandparents who are feeling worried about their family and own health. There is no denying that it’s been a tough few months and there will be a rocky road ahead but, as their name suggests, the charity are committed to maintaining momentum and will continue to stand by the local community to ensure that no family with a seriously-ill child has to cope alone. Momentum Children’s Charity can’t do what they do without the generous support of the community. If your organisation would like to help them continue their vital services, please visit www.moment-um.org or email fundraising@moment-um.org ■
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