Our aim is to provide valuable support and a supportive community for families affected by cancer
We are here for families affected by childhood cancer
From providing a place for a child living with cancer to play to a safe space for families to find help and support, we are here for you every step of the way.
We deliver a range of vital services to support young people and families, all to help you through your cancer journey.
If you live in the Coventry and Warwickshire area, we are here for you.
How we help
Whenever a child receives a life-changing cancer diagnosis, we are here to help. We offer a supportive community and a shoulder to lean on, with a team that understands the profound impact a cancer diagnosis can have on young people and their families. From delivering counselling and therapy, to arranging activities and family days, we help children and young people enjoy as normal a life as they can, while helping families navigate their cancer journey.
Family Testimonials
Grant Family
“When Chase was diagnosed, our whole world was turned upside down. We were in hospital for months, lost our home and had to rebuild everything from scratch. Shine a Light have been there through it all with regular messages, check-ins, and little surprises for the boys. Their support has made such a difference to us as a family.”
Lawson Family
“Shine a Light has been part of our lives for years and has supported us through some incredibly difficult times. For Tom, it’s a place where he feels understood and doesn’t have to explain himself. Being around other young people who have been through cancer has helped him feel more normal and confident. For me, it’s knowing we’re not on our own. That means everything.”
Bufton Family
“When Hugo was diagnosed, everything changed overnight. With the hospital stays, having a new baby to care for and a large family to look after, life became overwhelming very quickly. Shine a Light have been amazing. The kids love the hampers and the days out, it makes them all feel included. We truly don’t know where we’d be without them.”
Upcoming events
Donate to help Shine a Light
Your donation could make a vital difference to a child’s life. From providing counselling for a young person coming to terms with their diagnosis, to providing a safe space for a child with cancer to laugh and play like a child should. Every penny you can spare can help us do a world of good.
How your donations can help
£12
Could help us deliver an activity day for a child at our Family Centre.
£30
Could deliver an hour of tutoring to a child who has been unable to attend school
£60
Could deliver a counselling session for a child dealing with the effects of cancer
£150
Could fund a full welcome pack to help a family following a diagnosis
How to get involved
There are so many ways you can support our work. From volunteering your time to deliver fundraising events, to committing your skills to support our services. Get in touch today to find out more.
Access support
Our services are here to support children and young people up to the age of 24, their parents and their families from the moments of diagnosis for as long as you need us.
Welcome Packs
When we meet a family for the first time we provide a tailored welcome pack. It contains toys and a board game, a DVD, a popcorn maker, as well as family craft activities and a gift card for Just Eat. It is designed to encourage more family time and, if possible, make life feel a little more normal.
Counselling
For young people and adults, whether affected by cancer directly or indirectly, our trained counsellors provide essential one-to-one support.
Play Therapy
Delivered by an experienced and qualified team, play therapy is available any child up to the age of 18, whether they are directly or indirectly affected by cancer.
Home and Hospital Visits
Wherever you need a supportive shoulder and a friendly face, our volunteers can come to you. We can see you at home or, when it’s safe to do so, in hospital.
Activity Sessions
We believe facilitating peer-to-peer support is one of the most valuable things we do. We run a range of activity sessions for families that bring together those affected by childhood cancer to meet and share their experiences, but also to focus on something fun and creative. For those unable to join us in person we also run sessions on Zoom.
Drop In Service
We run regular drop-in sessions at our Family Centre in Coventry. Anyone affected by childhood cancer can stop by for a cup of tea an a chat with people who understand and empathise.
Youth Group
Our regular fortnightly youth group gives young people the opportunity to experience valuable peer-to-peer support while enjoying the regular range of youth club activities.
Corporate Supporters
The work we do is made possible in part by the continued help and support of our amazing Corporate Partners. We are forever grateful for their support.
