Bereavement Coaching Programme
A virtual coaching programme supporting parents after the loss of a child to cancer, offering dedicated time, guidance and support as they navigate bereavement.
About our Coaching Programme
Our Bereavement Coaching Programme has been specifically created for parents who have experienced the loss of a child to childhood cancer. It offers compassionate support to enhance emotional, physical, mental and social wellbeing, recognising that every parent’s grief is unique.
Register your interest to be notified when dates for our next programme are confirmed.
Joining the programme: what to expect
This is a free, six‑week virtual programme offering confidential, two‑hour group sessions each week delivered by members of our Family Support Team who are also trained life coaches.
Each session combines coaching themes to support different aspects of wellbeing and offers a safe and reflective space for parents to explore their experiences alongside others who understand the impact of bereavement. We generally recommend the programme for parents who are beyond the first 6 months of bereavement.
To help you understand how the programme runs, here’s what to expect before, during and after taking part:
Before the programme
You can express interest in our Bereavement Coaching Programme at any time by contacting our Family Support Team or by filling in the form below. We will notify you directly when new programme dates are confirmed. Information is also shared through the Solving Kids’ Cancer UK newsletter, on our social media channels and here on this webpage.
When registration opens, a link to the registration form will be provided here. Once registered, participants will receive a welcome pack from the Family Support Team.
During the programme
Below is a short overview of the themes explored in our most recent programme. Future programmes may vary slightly based on feedback:
- Connection - creating a safe space to connect with other bereaved parents and share experiences if you choose.
- Self‑care - understanding your needs and identity after loss and developing a personal self‑care plan.
- New normal - exploring identity, values and direction as life changes after your child’s death.
- Relationships - reflecting on how grief affects relationships and exploring simple tools to support communication and connection.
- Work and purpose - considering work, confidence and meaning after bereavement, and exploring gentler internal dialogue.
- Honouring your child - a dedicated space to remember and honour your child, and to explore how their life continues to shape your own.
After the programme
Once the six-week programme ends, our Family Support Team continues to offer support through peer‑to‑peer networks, events, and follow‑up check‑ins.
What parents thought about the programme
Feedback from parents who have joined our programmes has been incredibly positive. Their experiences helped shape future support, ensuring the programme continues to meet the needs of families.
From the most recent programme:
- 100% recommend this programme to someone who has experienced childhood cancer bereavement.
- 100% said they felt supported during the programme.
- 100% rated the programme good, very good or excellent.
- 100% liked the welcome pack sent to them before the programme.
- 86% saw an improvement in how good they've been feeling about themselves compared to before completing the programme.
Parents shared that the programme offered connection, understanding and meaningful tools:
“The connection and time to talk and engage with other bereaved parents is incredible, and to be able to share about our own and hear about other heroes is amazing." 2026 programme participant
"Hearing that others are feeling the same is comforting, and if others are feeling different it helps to break down the guilt a little if we feel differently about things some days” 2026 programme participant
Our most recent programme was delivered in collaboration with Alice’s Arc, enabling parents bereaved through neuroblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma to take part.
Meet the coaches
Our bereavement coaching programme is facilitated by members of SKC's Family Support Team who are qualified Life Coaches.
Vicky Inglis
Head of Family Support
Vicky leads our Family Support Team and is here to help families navigate the challenges of a neuroblastoma diagnosis.
Vicky's son, Jamie, passed away in January 2013 at the age of seven after battling neuroblastoma for half of his life. Jamie received treatment in the UK, Germany and the USA at a time when there was no dedicated neuroblastoma Family Support Service in the UK.
Following her own family's experience, Vicky left her primary school teaching career to join Solving Kids' Cancer UK. Jamie's legacy lives on through her work with the charity.
Vicky works closely with families to understand their individual circumstances and ensure they receive the practical and emotional support they need.
Hayley Blackwell-Clark
Family Support Coordinator
Hayley supports families throughout their child's cancer journey, providing understanding, guidance and a listening ear when it is needed most.
Her daughter, Eva, was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in 2014 and is now over seven years in remission, having been successfully treated in the UK.
Hayley's personal experience gives her a unique understanding of the challenges families can face during treatment and beyond. She is particularly passionate about supporting families after treatment and helping them navigate the transition to life beyond active cancer treatment.
Hayley is also a fully certified life coach and Mental Health First Aider.
Want to know more?
If you'd like to find out more about our Bereavement Coaching Programme, or simply talk it through with someone, our Family Support Team is here to support you.
