5 Minutes with Gold Geese | Your Cancer Services

22 February 2024 — david-allen

There are over 1,800 new diagnoses of childhood cancer each year and charities like Gold Geese work tirelessly to help those affected.

Taking their name from the colour of childhood cancer awareness (Gold) and the powerful birds that travel huge distances together whilst supporting each other (Geese), their work across South East Essex continues to help families that need it most. We spoke to the team to find out more about the work they do.

Tell us about your organisation?

We’re a small, local charity providing tailored practical and emotional support to families of children and young people fighting cancer in South East Essex. Another important part of our work is raising awareness of childhood cancer signs and symptoms within the local community, including delivering training workshops to childcare practitioners and parents. We run an annual Go Gold campaign every September where we encourage the local community to learn the signs and symptoms and show solidarity for local families affected by childhood cancer.  

We also encourage people who are able to, to donate blood and register as potential bone marrow donors as these are sometimes needed in cancer treatments. 

We chose this name because gold is the colour for childhood cancer awareness, and geese are powerful animals that travel huge distances together, supporting each other by flying together to conserve energy and helping sick, injured members – exactly what’s needed when fighting cancer. 

What services do you offer people living with cancer? 

Everyone’s experience of childhood cancer is different, so our care and support are tailored to each family, and includes help for siblings and parents and bereaved families too. 

Our support ranges from mental health therapy and food shop vouchers, to toys and gifts, weekend trips away and practical help with travel to and from hospitals or home adaptations that families may need. We also arrange get-togethers for parents so they can meet in a safe space with others going through a similar experience, and we provide bereavement support and memory-making for those who have lost a child to cancer. 

Do you have a target demographic who use your services? 
If you’re a family in South East Essex areas and your child has been diagnosed with cancer, we’re here for you. You can find our full eligibility information and apply for help on our website at www.goldgeese.org/eligibility  

How are you funded? 
We’re a registered charity (Charity Commission Registration Number 1182332) and rely on donations; we receive no Government funding.   

Has anything changed for your organisation since the pandemic? 

We have noticed that our families’ finances are changing, with more financial pressure on our Gold Parents since the pandemic. We have also noticed a change in the children’s and parents’ mental wellbeing. We think this is due to their resilience being tested to its limits and potentially their support networks having narrowed since the pandemic. 

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do? 

Being able to provide something that the families desperately need in such a difficult time. Whether that is financial help for food shopping, when times are really hard, or a weekend away somewhere lovely to enjoy time together as a family. 

What would you say to those who are considering getting in touch with you but are nervous or apprehensive? 

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Come as you are, we’ve been through this journey ourselves and understand what it’s like. Whether your child is newly diagnosed, currently fighting cancer or has passed away, we’re here for you. 

Do you have testimonials from people that have used your services? 

Yes, you can see testimonials on our website www.goldgeese.org, for example : 

“I appreciate all you’ve done for us and just finding you really. even a message from you can really help me focus and find understanding in most things.” 

“Can’t thank you enough. It’s such a difficult time of year and to know we are always in your thoughts and that our little ones will never be forgotten means the world to us. we will always have a special bond.” 

Who works for you? 

Our founder and CEO is Katie Southgate, who set up the charity after her own child’s cancer diagnosis (she is now cancer-free). We also have two part-time communications and fundraising staff, and we’re powered by our amazing local community and volunteers. The charity is overseen by our voluntary Board of Trustees. 

What are the values of your organisation? 

• Support: so families never feel alone. 
• Community: bringing together local communities. 
• Care: to provide care on a personal, individual basis. 
• Empathy: understanding families’ fears and pain. 
• Privacy: respecting our Gold families’ privacy choice. 

And finally, can you describe your organisation in 3 words? 

We fly together.