29 May 2008

Helping children to cope with parental cancer

Palliative care staff from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust have taken part in training to meet the needs of children whose parents have cancer.

Training was provided by the Area Child Protection Committee Training Officer in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and the Child Protection Nurse Specialist Team.

Participants who included Macmillan nurses, cancer nurse specialists, district nurses, a hospital chaplain, dietitian and a counsellor all found the training particularly useful in exploring the specific needs of children during what can be a very challenging and emotional time.

The training included information on child protection, the use of the new Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland (UNOCINI) assessment framework and pre-bereavement communication and support for children and young people.