Support we can offer you:
-
A dedicated Information and Support Worker who will check in regularly, be available for chats, questions and conversation and who can help with practical support such as signposting and grants
-
Connect you to our 24hr peer support forums which are full of women and folks who are going through their own cancer and pregnancy experience.
-
Signpost and refer you to other relevant support organisations such as grant giving trusts and mental health provider
Please note: we are not a counselling service or a crisis support service, and the forums are lightly monitored by Mummy's Star staff Mon-Fri between 9am-5pm
Information and Support Workers
Our Support Workers are matched one-to-one with mums and birthing parents diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy. They will remain in contact as long as you wish, using whichever method of communication you prefer (email, text, phone call etc.) and are there to listen and to give information on the challenges and possibilities you are facing.
All our Support Workers have either worked in cancer and/or maternity services, and many have experienced cancer in or around pregnancy themselves. This gives them a unique and informed understanding of what you might be going through and ensures they can be both sensitive and pragmatic in their support.
As well as being a friendly voice and a listening ear, your Support Worker will also help you access further parts of our support services and can help you to find and access support from other providers too.
How often you speak to your Support Worker and how much your share with
them is entirely up to you; they will build the support relationship to suit your
preferences and needs.
Peer Support Forums
We host 2 private, closed Facebook groups for women and birthing parents who have been diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy.
The Mummy's Star Forum is a mutually supportive peer resource that some users have described as their ‘Mummy’s Star Family’. It's a place to find connection, understanding, and to share experiences.
The 4 Star Mummies Forum is a separate forum specifically for mums and birthing parents diagnosed with secondary or incurable cancer.
Anyone who is eligible for our support can join the appropriate forums at any point and you do not have to be receiving active support from a Support Worker to access it. If you are unsure about using Facebook, would prefer to use an anonymised profile, or need help navigating the forums safely don’t hesitate to ask us.
Both forums are lightly monitored by our Support Workers during office hours; for the most part and outside of office hours it is peer-led.
“I feel like I have a friend who understands what I am going through, someone who can provide positivity and support. Just to know someone is checking in on me is a lovely feeling.”
Signposting and Referrals
Each individual and family will have its own unique set of circumstances and support needs, so your Mummy’s Star Support Worker can signpost you towards other organisations whose support will compliment our own. Some require referrals or are specific to a geographical location. We can help you to draw up a list, make referrals and send out applications to those that suit you best.
Family Support
Mummy’s Star offers specific support to partners of mums or birthing parents eligible for our support, and you can find out more about it here.
We also have some tips and suggested reading/resources to help make talking to your child(ren) about your cancer easier.
“My Support Worker has gone above and beyond with emails and phone calls to stay in touch, check in and more. She has been the key to unlocking so much information and support I could access for my family and I. She has been incredible and has helped me in not having a mental breakdown this past year, honestly.
I owe her a lot.”
Crisis Support Services
We are not a counselling service or crisis support service.
If you are in immediate danger or require immediate assistance please contact one of the following:
-
If you are in immediate danger: DIAL 999
-
Emergency Mental Health Line: 111, Choose Option 2
-
Samaritans 24hr Helpline: 116 123
-
Shout Crisis Text Line: text 'SHOUT' to 85258
-
24hr National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
-
Childline: 0800 1111 7.30am-3.30am
