If a family is affected by another life-threatening illness, support at home and in the community is extremely important. However, many people do not know how to be there for the child and the family and do not dare to talk about it properly. That is why grief and loss counselors Caroline Muller and Marjo Andringa set up Cancertalk . They train professionals in the social network around the child, siblings and parents to make the disease negotiable in an accessible way. This can be cancer, as the name indicates, but also other serious diseases.

An important principle of Cancertalk is that the child itself, as well as the parents and siblings feel seen, heard and supported, both at home and in the living environment. 'Often all attention is focused on the sick person, while everyone in the family is affected by the disease,' says Caroline. 'That is why it is important that we ensure that the whole story is on the table when assisting families. And everyone can take up the space he or she needs.' Caroline and Marjo notice that this is also nice for the person who is ill. Caroline: 'I recently supervised a boy with a brain tumour. He hated that conversations were always about him.' Using the Cancertalk talking card, all family members can tell what is going on and the conversation gets structure. Marjo: 'For example, if the sick child tells what happened in the hospital, the brus can tell what that meant to him or her, such as that he or she had to stay overnight, was taken to school by someone else or that he or she was scared. was that brother or sister would die.' After all family members have shared their story, an overview is created and the conversation can serve as a guideline for both the members of the family and the professional.

Two-day training for professionals

All the knowledge and experience that the Cancertalk initiators have acquired during their careers has been bundled into an accredited training (27.5 points). Caroline: 'The individual two-day event is intended for professionals who regularly sit at the table with families affected by cancer or another life-threatening illness. Think of a (children's) coach, therapist or practice nurse.' Based on various cases, they learn how to talk to a family in an accessible way, so that everyone's needs and requests for help become visible. Marjo: 'We do this with the help of the workbook, work forms and materials that can be used immediately the next day. The social network and self-care are also widely discussed. After the two-day, a feedback meeting is planned where the students can ask questions or ask for additional advice.'

In-company modules

Because the social environment for child and family is also extremely important, Cancertalk has developed special in-company modules for schools/childcare, (sports) associations and healthcare professionals. We also offer a combination module about grief, loss and illness in the family. The central question here is: “How can you be there for the child and the family?” And this does not only concern the period during the illness, but also afterwards. The modules last one day or two half days. After following the module(s) you have a theoretical foundation and practical tools to start a conversation with confidence. Self-care is also included. Both the modules and the individual two-day courses can be tailor-made and can also be (partly) followed online.

Contact

Are you interested or do you want to know more? Please feel free to contact us. For short questions, they have a telephone consultation hour every first Thursday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. for short questions. On the website you will find more information, downloads and a podcast about Cancertalk.

About

Both Caroline Muller and Marjo Andringa work as grief and loss counselors for children, young people and adults, specializing in illness in the family. They are both affiliated with the Network Integral Child Care (NIK).