Macmillan Family Support Service
For Families
The Macmillan Family Support Service at Willen Hospice was launched in the summer of 2006 following receipt of funds from Macmillan Cancer Support which made it possible for the Hospice to appoint a full time Family Support Worker. 
The service offers both pre and post bereavement support to families where there are children and young people under 18 affected by the illness of a patient. The Family Support Worker works closely with other members of the Hospice multi-disciplinary team. She also has established links with other agencies including schools, health professionals and Milton Keynes Young Carers Group.
Recently, a small group of volunteers have been recruited and trained to assist and support the service.
Ongoing Development
This is an area of continual development. One early innovation at the end of last year was the addition of 2 smaller trees to the larger "Lights of Love" tree - the focal point of our annual Lights of Love Ceremony.
Children and young people were given the opportunity to decorate and write comments on a star in memory of someone special. The stars were then hung on the trees. All agreed that the decorated trees added a special poignancy to a very moving occasion.
The Future...
There are many ideas for the future development of the service, including:
- groups for children, young people and adults, both pre and post bereavement
- developing a website that will be a useful and powerful communication and resource base for children, young people and families
- the formation of a steering group to include users of the Family Support Service ensuring that the services we provide are meeting their needs
How to get in touch...
The Family Support Service is available during normal office hours. If you or any of your family would like to contact us, please call the Hospice on 01908 663636 and leave a message if there is no reply.
Ask MK Productions produced 3 videos for the Family Support Service Conference 2009 (The Impact of Bereavement on Children and Young People). The videos can be viewed below.
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You can read the Kerr Family Blog here (opens new window)
