Chai Cancer Care, the Jewish community’s dedicated cancer support organisation, stands by anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.

This includes children like Joshua, who, three years after treatment for a brain tumour, finds solace in weekly music therapy sessions at school.

Joshua’s parents say he describes these moments as “me time”, where he can express himself through songwriting and musical instruments, channelling emotions related to cancer’s impact on his life.

“He is able to open up and express himself by writing songs and using the instruments to relieve any frustration or sadness about how cancer has affected his life.

“His music therapist has helped him to deal with the trauma and to remain positive and motivated. Having the sessions at school makes Joshie feel special, and he has enjoyed performing the songs he has written to his classmates and family.”

Launched in 2013, Chai in Schools gives teachers and special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) the tools, language-skills, resources and direct support that they need to help children, and their peers, affected by a cancer diagnosis.

The programme runs a range of activities, including art, play, music therapy and counselling, to support children.

Chai’s chief executive, Lisa Steele, said that latest figures showed that the need for specialised services among younger people - starting from just three years old – was the highest it had been since the organisation was set up in 1990.

Chai Cancer Care has seen an increase in its Chai in Schools programme (Photo: Chai Cancer Care)

Steele said: “We go into schools to give practical advice and strategies to teachers who have a pupil whose life is affected by a cancer diagnosis, either themselves or a family member. The child’s behaviour can change, and we show teachers what the best way is to support the child in these difficult times as it can be emotionally challenging.”

“It’s crucial that teachers, many of whom have not had experience in serious and terminal illness, have the right training and tools to talk to students about such delicate topics. Chai in Schools equips them with those tools, ensuring children receive the understanding and support they need in their familiar school environment.”

Between 2023 and June 2024, Chai in Schools has delivered more than 2,200 specialist sessions to educators and children at Jewish and non-Jewish schools across the country.

Chai Cancer Care CEO Lisa Steele

Miriam Kaye, the headteacher of Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Jewish Primary School in Mill Hill, northwest London, called Chai in Schools when confronted with a heart-breaking situation.

She explained: “This year, we received some devastating news. We were told that the parent of one of our young students had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. It was a real shock.

“Some children were having nightmares, not sleeping, and asking questions that we did not know how to answer. As teachers, we were floundering. We didn’t have the training or language when it came to supporting children affected by illness or bereavement.”

After calling Chai to ask for support, within 24 hours, Chai had sent a team to deliver specialist training, “talking through appropriate language to use and what books to read. They really listened to concerns our staff had and gave clear examples of how to deal with a situation that could come up.

"The training meant that there was a plan in place, we were providing support in the best way possible to the child affected, their classmates, parents and our own teachers. It made a huge difference.”

Head of Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Primary School Miriam Kaye

Steele explained that the benefit of the Chai in Schools service is that parents do not need to pick up their child from school and take them to a Chai centre.

“For some families, it is easier to hold the therapy sessions in schools. Kids are used to coming out of lessons for other reasons, so this is treated as the same. Our therapists are able to come into schools which helps with the whole process, but, in addition, after school sessions can be arranged at a Chai centre if this is preferred. In the school holidays, sessions can continue at Chai.”