Help & Support

ONE: We Provide Support In A Non Clinical Setting

For most people a cancer diagnosis can be a huge shock and many patients find additional support outside of a clinical setting very helpful.

As FACT offer a range of non-clinical services for people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families, friends and carers.  If you are a family member or friend, the person with the cancer diagnosis that is affecting you does not necessarily need to be accessing FACT’s services for you to benefit.

"FACT is the only local cancer organisation offering bespoke support to children and adults affected by any cancer in a non-clinical setting, away from hospital grounds across the whole of the North East. Services are mostly free to all cancer patients and carry a suggested donation amount for those in their supporting network.  Our venues are homely, welcoming and accessible to all, at times that are convenient to the individual. Services and support can be access at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, following surgery or several years after the event.  They are available to those who are caring for someone with cancer, who have been bereaved by cancer or who are preparing to lose someone to cancer" Joanne Smith, Founder and Chief Executive of FACT explains.

All of FACT’s services, sessions and activities have been developed in response to requests from those needing them – meeting real needs.  We are based in non-clinical community venues, and offer a relaxed, friendly, home-from-home environment.

TWO: We Provide Social and Exercise Opportunities

We provide coffee mornings, and group sessions targeting all genders and all ages, alongside sessions which focus upon specific cancers. The groups enable the service user to meet people going through similar situations, they alleviate isolation and allow individuals to support one another and make new friends.  The exercise classes aid in rehabilitation and support each person on the road to better health and well-being.  Our over 50’s group focuses upon movement and strength, which enables individuals to work at their own pace. We offer gentle exercise in the form of Pilates and yoga and more strenuous exercise in the form of HIIT and a walking group.  We also have a wig service and mastectomy wear service which can be accessed by appointment.  The service user has access to one of our pamper/treatment rooms so they can be measured privately and professionally.  Holistic therapies are also available, via massage, hot stones, reiki and more by appointment.

THREE: We Offer Counselling

FACT offers counselling to adults, young people, children, friends, family members, and carers who have been affected with cancer.  Our talking therapy sessions are available face to face, online or via telephone.

We also facilitate affordable and accessible private counselling sessions for individuals, businesses, organisations, colleges, and universities.

FACT’s trained counsellors and psychotherapists provide a warm and friendly environment, listening without judgement in a confidential setting. Supporting the individual to deal with any overwhelming or distressing issues.

 Counselling can help you cope with such issues as:

• Physical health conditions, pain, or discomfort.

• Mental health, well-being, depression, or anxiety.

• Distressing life events, bereavement, or trauma.

• Difficult emotions, anger, fear, or low self-esteem.

What to expect from counselling

After an initial telephone assessment, you will be signposted an appropriate counsellor to meet your specific therapeutic needs.

You will work one-to-one with your counsellor.

FACT’s counsellors are registered with B.A.C.P.  or equivalent, adhering to a high ethical standard, guidelines, and code of ethics in accordance with GDPR /ICO.

Your therapist will provide the essential therapeutic support allowing you to you gain a better understanding of your feelings and thoughts, whilst promoting and assisting effective change. Working with each client at their pace, FACT promotes the ethos “one shoe does not fit all” approach, believing we are all unique individuals with diverse life experiences.

It may take several sessions before you feel progress, however by providing the correct safe confidential space assists your personal understanding and growth allowing you to feel a gradual shift.

Frequently asked questions:

How long are the sessions? – Tel assessments approx. 20minutes. Adults’ sessions between 55-60 minutes. Children’s / young person’s sessions between 30- 60 minutes (subject to age and attention span). 

What if I don’t click with my therapist? It's so important you feel you can connect with your therapist, sometimes this just doesn't happen. Let us know and we signpost you to a different therapist.

What if I need to cancel my appointment? Please give as much notice as possible, at least 24hours where possible. There is a level of commitment expected from the client to attend regular appointments. Sessions are free to anyone who has been affected by cancer, however, there is a cost for all counselling sessions to the charity either attended or unattended. Two missed appointments without notice will trigger an automatic referral to the waiting list.

Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can attend? Due to a high demand and our desire to support as many people as possible we are limited to offer 6 sessions. This allows us to effectively manage the waiting list.

Can I bring someone to my sessions? Coming to counselling for the first time can be daunting for some. If this is you, we encourage you to bring someone with you for support and encouragement. Your guest stays in reception during your session.

Do I attend online or face to face sessions? Some may find it difficult to say all they want to in a face-to-face session. Online counselling is convenient and can fit around family and work life, however it is vital to ensure the session takes place in a private location without interruption. Face to face sessions offer a neutral safe space away from your everyday life, offering a more focused environment. This allows the therapist to draw on all senses and read non-verbal communication to support the therapeutic interaction.

Counselling for Children and Young People

Cancer affects children in a number of ways, affecting their mental wellbeing and the protective system. Grief, loss and change through the cancer journey manifests causing anxiety, sadness, anger, and disconnection.

Some children may internalise their grief, over time this can manifest into risk taking or self-harm with psychological effects on every-day life, social interactions, self-esteem, self-worth, and ability to learn.

If a child has no emotional help or support their physical and academic needs as well as behaviour can regress.

Counselling for children involves encouraging them to express themselves, just as with adult "talking therapies". This is often through play, games or art which allows them to explore their thoughts and feelings in a way that is most comfortable for them in a safe place without judgement.

We need to be aware that a child has a child’s brain, they may appear to look the same on the outside however after a trauma on the inside there can be a very different story.

It is important to remember teenagers are not grownups, it is not healthy for them to assume an adult role.

Teenagers and children are usually aware of the emotional impact of someone close to them who is dying, however they are unaware of the long-term implications. Due to development changes and puberty their feelings and reactions can often be very intense.

The skills learnt in counselling will continue helping with difficult feelings and transitions, which will carry them into adulthood and throughout their lives.

How counselling may help young people:

Many young people find therapy beneficial and some of the positive effects that parents or carers frequently report are:

·       A marked reduction in anxiety

·       Increased concentration with a positive effect on schoolwork

·       Improved sleep with fewer disturbing dreams

·       More able to manage difficult feelings and to make sense of their experiences.

·       Improved behaviour in different environments

·       Enhanced relationships and friendships

·       The development of self-esteem and identity

The Process of Counselling Young People

After an initial telephone assessment, we require signed consent from the parent or guardian to continue.

The young person will be signposted an appropriate counsellor to meet their specific therapeutic needs.

The young person and the therapist meet weekly for a set time period, through these regular sessions a therapeutic relationship begins to develop.

Therapy sessions are arranged at the same time each week and last for 45-55mins.

To ensure the potential success of therapy we rely on you, the parents, to ensure that you:

·       Commit to attending all the sessions.

·       Arrive for sessions promptly.

·       Ensure that the young person is in a physical state to engage in the work (for example, not being hungry or over-full)

N.B. To provide a greater sense of security for the young person (5- 17 years) you must remain in the building during sessions in case your child becomes distressed or there is an emergency.

FACT’s counsellors are registered with B.A.C.P.  or equivalent, adhering to a high ethical standard, guidelines, and code of ethics in accordance with GDPR /ICO.

How do I refer?

If you would like to access counselling and want to make a referral, get in touch:

• By phone - 0191 442 0833

• Or complete online form here

Some more examples of the services we provide are:

Youth Support

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE CAN BE AFFECTED BY CANCER IN MANY WAYS.

FACT offers a range of support sessions and social opportunities for children, young people and families.

Support ranges from social outings, group sessions and counselling, through to bespoke one to one provision. Children and young people can be affected by cancer in many ways. FACT not only provide services for children diagnosed with cancer, but also to children where a family member or friend has been diagnosed. FACT also offers a specialist children's bereavement preparation and support service.

For example, our FACT Family Day runs on the first Saturday of every month.  The group consists of families who have been affected by cancer, whether it be parents or children. The group meet and enjoy a programme of different activities and outings each month.  It gives children the opportunity to meet others in similar situations.  It is also a great way for parents, guardians and carers to meet, help each other and talk to others in similar circumstances to themselves.