“I felt like I had to be the strong one,” said Richard Moorcroft, reflecting on the emotions he faced when his daughter, Sophia, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
While supporting his family, Richard found himself silently struggling with his own emotions.
Richard’s story is not unique. Many fathers face similar challenges when their own children are diagnosed with brain tumours.
This is why two Yorkshire-based charities, OSCAR’s Charity and Menfullness, have joined forces to launch a pioneering mental health initiative to support men affected by a child’s brain tumour diagnosis.
This partnership between these two established York organisations will offer an accessible counselling service for fathers, grandfathers, and other male family members.
Its goal is to break down barriers to mental health support and provide a space where men can seek help.
The initiative emerged from countless conversations with fathers who were silently dealing with their own mental health challenges, all while supporting their children through brain tumour treatment.
“We’ve seen firsthand how fathers often put their own wellbeing last,” explains Matt Ward from OSCAR’s Charity.
“When you’re focused on getting your child through chemotherapy, helping your child to walk again or supporting them through their return to school, your own mental health can take a back seat.”
The new partnership creates a space where men can find support and connect with others who truly understand their journey.
Through Menfulness, fathers will have access to both professional counselling and informal social activities, where they can build relationships with others who truly understand their journey.
To learn more on the partnership or to access support services, click here.