Support Workers

When your child is first diagnosed with eye cancer, the shock can be numbing. Concerns about the future, both short and long-term, can be overwhelming. This is a difficult period in any family's life, full of new information and mixed emotions, as well as practical matters to be dealt with.

CHECT employs two Support Workers who can offer support to families attending retinoblastoma clinics for treatment. People often find that talking things through helps to relieve fears and anxieties, so the Support Workers are non-medical staff who will listen to your concerns. They can also give you information, or find the right person to help you solve any practical problems or answer any questions you may have.

The Support Workers are available for those who have questions about other issues later in life, like artificial eyes, schooling or genetic counselling, They also provide support for other members of the family, for example grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters.

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust has a network of individuals and families who have been through similar experiences and who are happy to share these with others. Much reassurance can be gained from knowing how other families came through this period and emerged the other side feeling able to cope and carry on with life.

We also publish a range of information leaflets covering many aspects of treatment and coping with retinoblastoma. You can find the list of publications available by going to the Information section.

If you would like to speak to a Support Worker or if you would like to be put in touch with one of our Family Contacts you can speak to either Julia Morris, Family Support Worker, tel: 0121 708 0583 or email: julia.morris@chect.org.uk or
Juliette Carter, Support Worker & Information Officer, tel: 020 7377 5578 or email: juliette.carter@chect.org.uk