Supporting a child when someone has a life threatening illness

Families face a tremendous challenge adjusting to the serious illness of a close family member.

While most of our time at Winston's Wish is spent supporting children after a death, we may also be able to help children to understand the illness of a parent or sibling, and prepare for their death. We would usually work very closely with the parent or carer in supporting them to talk to their children about this very difficult experience.

We can only work directly with families living locally to us in Gloucestershire but we can offer support to families living anywhere in the UK through our helpline (08452 03 04 05) open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Families and professionals from across the UK can contact the Winston's Wish Helpline (08452 03 04 05) to discuss any concerns about supporting a child when someone has a life-threatening illness. We also have two publications, As Big As It Gets and The Secret C which can be ordered on-line.