On this page, you will find resources from our Family Friday live sessions. These virtual sessions cover all sorts of interesting topics and are presented by members of the family support team and other team members who have a specialist interest.
Family Engagement | 27 September 2024
On this week's Family Friday video, join our team as they discuss family engagement.
You can learn all about our team and how your family can get involved at Demelza.
Accessible days out | 19 July 2024
In this week's Family Friday Liz, Families Liaison Practitioner, and Claire, Transition Navigator, discuss days out that are accessible.
Get all of the family involved this summer with one of these fantastic ideas.
Talking transition | 21 June 2024
Join Anna, Family Liaison Lead, and Glynnis, a parent who has experienced transition as they discuss some of their top tips for navigating the move from child to adult services.
Physical therapies | 17 May 2024
This month, we were joined by Gemma Jones, occupational therapist, and Rachel Rai, physiotherapist. They explained their collaborative approach to developing and delivering holistic therapy support for babies, children and young people receiving Demelza services.
If you would like to find out more about the physical therapies offer at Demelza then check out our physical therapies webpage or email careadministration@demelza.org.uk to refer.
Grants and funding | 19 April 2024
This month's theme is grants and funding and the family liaison team will be talking about the grants and funding your family may be able to access. This includes monetary grants, practical support, emergency essential gifting, wish-granting organisations and more.
Sibling support | 15 March 2024
Having a brother or sister who is very sick or needs extra care can be tough, so it's important for siblings to have space to express and explore their feelings. Liz, Family Liaison Practitioner, who runs the Sibling Saturday virtual sessions talks with Wendy, Senior Family Liaison Practitioner, about the different ways Demelza can help support siblings of different ages!
If you would like to find out more about our sibling support offer at Demelza then check out our sibling support webpage or email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk to get in touch with the team.
Sex and relationships | 23 February 2024
The young people Demelza supports may still be experiencing the same changes, curiosities and desires as their peers – but finding it more difficult or isolating due to their complex needs. This Family Friday session offers advice and guidance around puberty, sexuality, LGBTQ+, inappropriate sexual behaviour, dignity and privacy and more.
Anne can offer one-to-one guidance as well as signposting to external organisations to support young people and their families. If you would like to get in touch with Anne then you can email anne.fullbrook@demelza.org.uk.
Advocacy | 19 January 2024
Demelza supports families to advocate for themselves and their young people. In this week's Family Friday Liz, Families Liaison Practitioner, and Claire, Transition Navigator, discuss tips on self-advocacy and more.
Download the resources for links to advocacy support and more information about the carer's assessment.
Mental Health and Wellbeing | 15 December 2023
Join Anna, Family Liaison Lead, and Nikki, Family Liaison Practitioner, for an engaging session discussing the importance of mental health and wellbeing. In this interactive session, Nikki, Family Liaison Practitioner, guided us through a relaxing breathing exercise, taught self-hand massage techniques and led a soothing guided meditation.
Benefits and DLA | 17 November 2023
In this recording, Claire, Transition Navigator, and Liz, Family Liaison Practitioner, talk about benefits. They cover Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit to give you some tips on claiming and answer any questions you might have.
This session was recorded on Friday 17 November and all information was correct at the time of recording.
Challenging behaviour | 27 October 2023
In this recording Liz Towner, Senior Registered Nurse, and Wendy Arnold, Senior Family Liaison Practitioner share information and advice on how Demelza can support families around challenging behaviour.
This session was recorded on Friday 27 October and all information was correct at the time of recording.
We have also put together some resources to reassure you about what you are already doing and give you some tips / ideas to try.
Get in touch
If you would like to find out more about the topics discussed or reach out to the family support team for guidance then please email familysupportdepartment@demelza.org.uk or call the family support helpline on 01795 845280 (Monday-Friday, 10am - 4pm).