What support can I get for my child with neuroblastoma? 

Children and young people with neuroblastoma can receive support in many different ways during diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Support may come from your child’s hospital team, the NHS, specialist charities, local services and Solving Kids’ Cancer UK. 

If you are looking specifically for counselling or emotional therapy for your child, please see: 

Can my child get access to counselling?

Support through your child’s hospital team 

Your child’s treating hospital is usually the main source of direct support during treatment. This may include:

Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists - to help children understand and process feelings such as fear, anxiety, anger, sadness or confusion. 

Play specialists and play therapists - using play, stories and creative activities can help younger children express emotions and cope with procedures and long hospital stays. 

Social workers, youth workers and key workers - at some centres, children also benefit from support from Young Lives vs Cancer social workers or Teenage Cancer Trust nurses (for teenagers and young adults). 

Your consultant or clinical nurse specialist can explain what’s available where your child is treated. 

Support through the NHS and local services 

Your GP or hospital team may refer your child to: 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) - for help with anxiety, trauma, low mood, behavioural changes or coping difficulties. 

Community or local counselling services - some areas offer child‑friendly counselling or therapeutic play outside hospital. 

Availability varies, but your GP and Young Lives vs Cancer social worker can guide you through the best route.

Support from Solving Kids’ Cancer UK 

We support children both directly and indirectly through the support we give to parents. 

Family Support Bags 

Our free Family Support bags include practical items, comfort products and activities for children during treatment and hospital stays. 

Find out more about our Family Support Bags. 

Family Fun Day 

This special event for families affected by neuroblastoma, offers children a full day of activities, fun, rest and connection with others who understand.   

Learn more about our Family Fun Day.

Wellbeing grants 

We provide grants that support a child’s physical or emotional wellbeing, such as funding items, experiences or resources that help provide comfort or joy. 

Read more about our wellbeing grants.

Support for parents

Supporting parents is one of the most important ways we help children. Our Family Support Team can help you: 

• understand and process complex information 

• manage the emotional and practical impact of treatment 

• navigate options and services 

• access financial help for your child 

• explore wellbeing or support opportunities 

Find out more about how our Family Support Team can help you.

Support from other national and specialist charities  

Several charities offer support directly for children diagnosed with cancer. These include: 

National charities

These organisations offer broad support to families affected by childhood cancer.

• CCLG: The Children and Young People's Cancer Association - trusted information produced in partnership with healthcare professionals
• Young Lives vs Cancer - specialist social workers offering support from diagnosis 
• Maggie’s - psychological support for older children/teenagers (location dependent) 
• Teenage Cancer Trust - specialist support for teenagers and young adults 
• Children with Cancer UK - online information and support for families
• The Little Princess Trust - provides free wigs for children with cancer
• Macmillan Cancer Support - free information and emotional support for people living with cancer
• Neuroblastoma UK - information guides and signposting
• Kids Cancer Charity - support by phone, email and face-to-face
• Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund - financial, emotional and practical support and respite breaks
• The Henry Allen Trust - financial grants, wishes and treats and social events
  

Wish‑granting, holidays and treats

These organisations provide fun, meaningful or therapeutic experiences: 

• Molly Ollys - therapeutic items and wishes 
• Make‑A‑Wish UK - wishes for children with critical illness 
• Rays of Sunshine - wishes for seriously ill children 
• Alfie’s Wish - family days out 
• When You Wish Upon a Star - wishes for children with a life‑threatening illness 
• Promise Dreams - wishes and special experiences for seriously ill children 
• Round Table Children’s Wishes - wishes for children with a life‑threatening illness 
• Angelic Stars - wishes and special treats for seriously ill children
• Supershoes - custom designed shoes for children and young people with cancer
• The Oliver Curd Trust - holiday accommodation in East Sussex for families from across the UK 
• Little Hero - free holiday retreat for families affected by childhood cancer based in Devon
• Dream Flight - takes children 8-14 years of age with a serious illness or disability to Orlando

Specialist equipment

These organisations provide equipment to support children with additional needs as a result of their cancer diagnosis.

• The Boparan Charitable Trust - financial grants for key items and therapies that assist children
• Lifeline 4 Kids - specialised equipment such as electric wheelchairs, mobility aids and items including specialised computers and sensory toys
• The Hospital Saturday Fund - helps with the purchase of specialised equipment
• Children Today - adapted equipment to help children and young people feel less isolated
• Caudwell Charitable Trust - family support services, equipment, treatment and therapies for disabled children under 18 across the UK
• Whizz-kids - grants for manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, buggies and trikes for children under 18 across the UK 
• Variety Club, The Children’s Charity - grants towards mobility equipment, monitoring equipment, feeding tubes or hoists and sensory equipment for children under 18
• Cyclists Fighting Cancer - bikes, specially adapted trikes, cycling-related equipment and support for children and young people living with cancer across the UK

Financial support

Several charities offer financial support grants for families affected by childhood cancer. Further details can be found on the page linked below, as well as other information on financial services available such as government schemes and household finances.

What financial support can I get after my child has been diagnosed with cancer?

Support by region

In addition to the national charities listed above, there are also a number of organisations that can provide support on a regional basis. Head to the page linked below to find support that is local to you.

Where can I find support in my region after my child has been diagnosed with cancer?

These organisations all have their own eligibility criteria, age ranges and application processes. Our Family Support Team can help you explore which options might be appropriate for your child and signpost you to different organisations, but families will need to contact these charities directly to check eligibility and apply. Please note that Solving Kids’ Cancer UK does not endorse any specific charity or recommend one organisation over another.

School and education support 

Intensive treatment for neuroblastoma can make attending school regularly, or at all, difficult for many children. However, when appropriate and depending on your child’s health, some support may be available, including: 

• local authority home‑teaching services  

• hospital schools (availability varies and may not be suitable during intensive treatment) 

• education planning to support return to school 

• Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for children whose treatment affects learning, energy, mobility or concentration 

Young Lives vs Cancer social workers and your hospital team can help you navigate educational support as appropriate to your child’s health.

Page last updated: July 28, 2026