Oncology care service
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, life can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Every day brings new challenges – hospital visits, treatments, and emotional ups and downs. At Jessie May, we provide specialist care, guidance, and support for your child and your family, helping you navigate this journey together.
Specialist support for children and young people undergoing oncology, haematology and BMT treatment
We’re here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
Oncology care service
At Jessie May, we understand the challenges that come with a child or young person’s cancer journey – not only for them, but for their whole family. That’s why we’ve introduced our Oncology Care Service.
Support at home and in hospital
We offer support visits in the family’s own home and during inpatient stays. This gives families and carers a chance to take a break, while providing young people with companionship and someone to talk to during their treatment.
Events and Community
There are special events just for our bereaved families. And as part of the Jessie May family, you’re always welcome at our family events – whether it’s at our Christmas parties, fun days, or simply when you feel ready to reconnect.
What support can look like
Support can look different for everyone, so we offer a range of options:
- Home visits and phone calls
- Relaxed coffee catch-ups
- Countryside walks with other bereaved parents
- One-to-one time with Michelle, our trained bereavement support coordinator
We can also connect families with other organisations that may be able to offer additional support and guidance.
End-of-Life and Bereavement care
We work with the whole family, providing much needed practical support and emotional scaffolding when a child enters end-of-life care. We can offer help before, during and after a child’s funeral.
How it makes a difference:.
- Supporting the child/young person through treatment by clinically trained staff, offering company during inpatient admissions
- Giving parents/children and young people a break either at home, in their community or in hospital
- Support at times of transition
- Support to access resources that meet health, wellbeing, and social needs, including assistance during times of isolation
- Access to the Jessie May ‘Team Around the Family’ services which include a Family Liaison Officer for social support, a Family Engagement Officer for inclusive events and a Bereavement Lead who will be there when needed
Jessie May’s support has been shown to strengthen parental resilience and coping capacity during life’s most challenging times.
Our Oncology Care Offer
For Professionals
Supporting Your Patients Beyond the Clinic
Our Oncology Care Service works alongside hospitals, community teams, and specialist units to provide an extra layer of support for families. We help ensure children and young people receive consistent, compassionate care, both in and out of hospital.
Our Service Includes:
- Two, 3.5-hour visits per month for children/young people up to 19 years old receiving Oncology, Haematology or BMT treatment.
- Flexible support – at home, in the community, or on hospital wards.
- Social and emotional support for parents, carers, and siblings.
- Help during transitional stages (e.g. diagnosis, changes in treatment, recovery).
- Access to Jessie May events and local attraction passes to help reduce isolation.
Referral Criteria:
- Age 0–19 years.
- Living in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, BANES, Swindon, or Wiltshire.
- Diagnosed or newly diagnosed with cancer, blood disorders, or undergoing BMT.
How to Refer:
- Complete our Online Referral Form.
- We will respond within 5 working days.
- Our Oncology Care Lead Nurse will connect with you and the family to plan support.
For any questions before referring, please contact:
Victoria Tarr – Oncology Lead/Care Team Leader for Bristol
Email: victoria.tarr@jessiemay.org.uk
For Families
You’re Not Alone – We’re Here for the Whole Family
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. We know the journey is emotional, exhausting, and full of uncertainty. That’s why Jessie May is here – to give you time to rest, be together, and focus on what matters most.
What We Offer:
- Two visits a month (3.5 hours each) from a Jessie May nurse, either at home, in hospital, or in the community.
- Support for your child during treatment, including company and activities during hospital stays.
- Time for parents/carers to have a break while knowing your child is in expert hands.
- Emotional and social support for siblings.
In addition to visits, families can take part in our Jessie May social calendar, which includes free tickets to local attractions as well as a range of Jessie May–hosted events. We also offer holistic activities designed to support relaxation and wellbeing for the whole family, such as:
- Equine therapy – proven to have a calming effect on children.
- Reiki and Relax – tailored sessions to help parents and carers unwind.
Find out more about the attractions you can visit here.
How to Get Support:
- Ask your healthcare professional to complete our Online Referral Form, or complete it yourself.
- We’ll be in touch within 5 working days.
- Our Oncology Care Lead Nurse will arrange a visit to explain how we can help and start your support.
We’re here to walk alongside you, every step of the way.
Referral form
Please note: If the referral is urgent, as end of life care support is required – please phone our Care Team on 0117 9582172 after you have made the referral so that we can action urgently.
For questions and further information, please contact:
Victoria Tarr – Oncology Lead/Care Team Leader for Bristol
Email: victoria.tarr@jessiemay.org.uk
Once submitted your referral will be reviewed by the Care Team, and an initial acknowledgement will be made within 7 days (via email or phone call)
We will then review the referral to asses what level of care you and your family need.
Our Oncology Care Lead Nurse, Victoria, will make contact to arrange a visit and introduce our services to the family.
