Children whose parents or carers are seriously ill are an ‘invisible group’ and are suffering themselves with mental health problems and a lack of support.

These findings come from new research by The Open University with Hope Support Services, a local charity which helps young people who are going through a family health crisis. The report was launched in the House of Commons on March 27th before members of the House of Commons and Lords and policy makers.

For the first time, this research has identified the scale of the problem and the needs, often unmet, of these children and young people. It recommends that government regularly collects national data, that it reviews and revises national and local policies, and develops more flexible face to face support across education, health and social care professions.

Hope was established by Sue Trevethan in 2009. She was diagnosed with cancer three years earlier but found no support available for her three children as she battled the disease.

Clare Thomas, CEO of Hope, says: “Hope has been delivering a range of services to this group of young people for eight years. We therefore have evidence of their needs and the ways in which our work can make a long term difference to their lives. However, this report will be vital to Hope’s future - to be able to be able to assess the level of need nationally and plan a response, while persuading policy makers to take notice of this hidden group of children”. See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here