Northern Bank has unveiled UCF as its new Charity Partner for 2011. Together with its staff and customers, Northern Bank aims to create a brighter future for local families affected by cancer by aiming to raise £100,000 during the charity partnership, which will be invested in UCF’s Family Support Service.
This free service provides a vital lifeline to children and young people when a significant adult such as a parent or grandparent is diagnosed with cancer. Since its launch at the end of 2008, UCF’s Family Support Service has helped over 500 children.
UCF’s Family Support Service is led by Rachel Smith, a drama therapist with many years experience working with children who have suffered from family trauma. Rachel said, “During this year a staggering 55,000 Northern Ireland families will be affected by cancer. A diagnosis of cancer has a huge impact on the entire family unit.
“Our experience shows that around 80% of children believe that their parent’s cancer diagnosis is their fault and many children find it difficult to understand what is happening. They often feel distressed, isolated and frightened about the dramatic changes in their lives. This can have a colossal and life altering affect on their experiences of school, relationships and their ongoing development.
“We offer specialist emotional support to the entire family unit which can involve individual or group support; home, hospital or hospice visits as well as telephone and email support. The Service also offers parental and pre-bereavement support, family support evenings and residential breaks for children to unwind and have fun with their peers who are in a similar situation.
“We understand that every family is unique and will react to a cancer diagnosis differently. Our Family Support Service is adaptable to help meet your family’s needs by providing extra support, the courage to talk about cancer and deal with the unthinkable together.”
Rosamond Bennett, Northern Bank's Head of Communications said of the partnership, "UCF is a local charity making such a difference to the lives of local families, providing a support lifeline for those living with a cancer diagnosis. The enthusiasm, sensitivity and commitment of everyone involved in the Family Support Service is inspiring and couldn't fail to both move and motivate all of us at Northern Bank to get involved.
“Our teams right across Northern Ireland will be working hard to meet this ambitious fundraising target, and as always, having fun along the way. The Bank and its staff are committed to helping UCF continue and expand its invaluable relationship with families in Northern Ireland."
Northern Bank has kick-started the partnership by launching its new Charity Bond* and will donate a total of £20,000 for all charity saving products opened during 2011. This will enable local customers to make the most of their savings whilst contributing to a good cause.
Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and Marketing, UCF added, “We are thrilled to be working with Northern Bank over the coming year and with their support, to continue to deliver our Family Support Service, free of charge, and ensure that it is widely accessible to families who have been affected by cancer throughout Northern Ireland.”
If you would like more information on UCF’s Family Support Service please call UCF’s Care Services team on 028 9066 3281.
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.northernbank.co.uk for more information