Oncology care and support
We offer oncology care and support following a diagnosisWe offer oncology care and support to children, young people and their families affected by cancer. Support can begin from diagnosis and continue throughout treatment, periods of uncertainty, and beyond, depending on what your family needs.
Oncology support is available to families within our catchment area (LINK) and can be provided at home, at the hospice, in hospital, or virtually, following a referral. If a child or family member needs support beyond what we can offer, we will work with you and your healthcare team to help access appropriate services.
Our care and support is always individualised and family‑led. There is no right or wrong way to feel when a child has cancer, and our team are here to support children, siblings and parents in whatever way feels most helpful at the time.
We are also proud to work with the Cancer Improvement Collaborative (LINK), which brings together cancer healthcare professionals and people with lived experience from different organisations to improve services in a structured and collaborative way.
First impressions of Helen & Douglas House from Kathy, mum to Josiah (Pictured).
“I hated the idea because of a hospice, but on walking in to Helen & Douglas House I was just amazed! We were welcomed so graciously and it was so much brighter than I expected…and when Josiah said, ‘it’s not really like a hospital, it’s more like somebody’s house’, I just thought, okay, we’re going to be fine.”
Oncology care and support
Who is this service for?
- Children and young people with cancer
- Parents and carers
- Siblings
- Families at any stage, from diagnosis, during treatment, at times of uncertainty or before or after bereavement
What services we can offer
- Respite stays at Helen & Douglas House
- Step-discarge stays
- Outreach support in the community
- Emotional support
- Peer support
- Support for the whole family, including siblings
Useful Resources
In the spirit of offering support and understanding, we want to extend our heartfelt thoughts to you and your family during these difficult times. Please follow the links below where we share some guidance and suggestions that may help you. (ADD IN LINKS)
More information
If you’d like to find out more please contact our Community and Family Support Services team on 01865 794749, or email [email protected]
Bethan, mum to Nicole, said:
“The nurses said just use the hospice like it’s your home. You would not think that looking at us all laughing and joking and enjoying ourselves, that Nicole was so sick, but that’s what Helen & Douglas House makes possible – normality in the most ridiculous circumstances.”
Family Stories
‘On returning to full time work, I wanted to look at other ways I could continue to support the hospice. That’s when I was told about the Home Support Volunteer project. I was matched with the most incredible family who live locally to me and I visit them for two hours per week.
‘I offer support around the house with cleaning and tidying, all of which may seem like small tasks but when you are a parent looking after a terminally ill child. The ironing may never seem a priority, but still keeps mounting up.
‘I have been with the family now for over a year and I can see that my support helps them, but they also help me. I am in a job with a lot of responsibility and so, for me, the two hours are a break away from my life where I can switch off, natter about the week, enjoy a cup of tea and feel like I am making a difference.
FAQ's
For FAQ’s about oncology support click on the below
Doesn’t hospice mean end of life?
Children’s hospices support children and young people from diagnosis throughout treatment. WE support families living with uncertainty. Our goal is support children to be children and to live as well as possible.
Am I in a room on my own?
Yes. There are lots of communal spaces, but your bedroom is yours during you stay/s with us.
Is there a TV in my room/can I use my ipad?
We do have televisions in rooms and you are welcome to bring devices with appropriate firewalls.
Can we bring our pets to Helen & Douglas House?
We have therapy dogs who come to visit regularly. We will deal with requests for individual pets on a case-by-case basis.
Can siblings come too and for how long? I.e What are the visiting restrictions?
You can come as a family for a stay and there are no restrictions on visiting for family. We also have a sibling group.
Can they have their bloods done at Helen & Douglas House?
At the moment, bloods need to be done at Kamrans Day Care, but we are looking into the possibility of supporting bloods and line care in the community.
Can we still go to Kamrans/use our oncology team too?
Of course- we work really closely with your other teams. In fact, some of them work with us too!
Is there parking and do we have to pay?
Yes there is parking for families. Oxford now has a congestion charge, but it is possible to get to the hospice without entering the congestion zone. We can also visit you at home.
What do we do for food?
All food is prepared on site and is free for visitors. We understand your taste buds may change due to treatment and we will accommodate special requests.