Brain tumours account for a third of cancer deaths in children under the age of 15 and approximately 10 children are diagnosed per week. Each child with a brain tumour presents a spectrum of emotional, physical and social difficulties due to the damage a tumour imposes on the most fragile and developing organ in the body of a young child, the brain. These side effects have the power to create a negative effect on the child’s long-term wellbeing and future potential. The devastating effects can include: blindness, loss of hearing, acute anxiety, as well as varying degrees of physical and learning difficulties. Unfortunately, 62% of children diagnosed with a brain tumour are left with long-term life changing disabilities, both physical and mental.
The team of dedicated Tom’s Trust Clinical Psychologists are there to support the child and their family from the very beginning, helping the child with their struggles, fears and anxieties. The team also offer group support sessions for children, their parents and siblings, they will also attend the child’s school to help them back into the school environment. Vital bereavement support for those families who sadly lose a child is also offered by Tom’s Trust.
Tom’s Trust receives no government funding and relies solely on donations, our work will not stop until every child diagnosed with a brain tumour is provided Clinical Psychology during their journey.
