Guest Blog | Ray of Light – Supporting Families Affected by Cancer

We spoke with Catrin James, Family Liaison Officer at Ray of Light, a Welsh charity that offers a confidential space to support people affected by cancer, as well as their loved ones and carers.

“Hello! I’m Catrin. I’m really happy to introduce myself as the Family Liaison Officer at Ray of Light, a charity based in South East Wales that supports people of all ages who are affected by cancer. 

The charity was started by people who had been through cancer in their own families and wanted to create something that could offer others the kind of support they wished they’d had. Today, Ray of Light offers free emotional and practical support to anyone affected by cancer — whether you’re a patient, parent, carer, friend, or family member — and we aim to walk alongside you through what can be one of life’s most difficult times. We provide a confidential, non-judgmental space where people can access whatever support they need, including peer support groups, one-to-one counselling, telephone befriending, horticultural therapy, choir sessions (with our very own Ray of Light Warblers), and family-focused events.

My background is in teaching and play therapy, and for over a decade I’ve worked with children, young people, and families. Now, I’m here to walk alongside families facing cancer — whether that means offering a listening ear, helping to understand what’s going on, or just being there when things feel tough. However support is needed, we’ll figure it out together.

A big part of my role is about creating space for children and young people to just be themselves — to play, to talk (or not talk), to feel safe. Whether through one-to-one sessions or relaxed family groups, we use creativity, nature, and play to build trust and ease worries.

I also work closely with other charities and local services so that together, we can make sure families know what’s available and feel fully supported.

Here’s some testimonials from people who have used our service:

“Attending the family event after losing my husband helped my children connect with others who truly understand. They found friendships that made the grief easier to bear.”

“The support Ray of Light offers not just to me but to my whole family has been amazing. We’ve all found strength in sharing experiences, and it’s made our journey more bearable.”

If you or someone you care about is affected by cancer and could use a bit of extra support — or even just someone to talk to — please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You’re not on your own.”

You can find out more about the services and events offered by Ray of Light at their website www.rayoflightwales.org.uk.

If you’d like to discover other support services in your area, whatever your situation, please search on Cancer Care Map’s homepage using your postcode. If you are a Welsh speaker, you can now translate the whole Cancer Care Map site into Welsh, using our new Google Translate plug-in.