Lord Nelson Web Design ©2010 PASIC provides help and support to families in the following ways:- Paying Bills Help is given to pay bills such as additional heating, increased phone bills, laundry or special diet costs and travel expenses, which come about as a direct result of the child's illness. Consideration is also given to requests for specific items that deemed necessary due to restrictions caused by a child's illness. Social Activities PASIC organises a variety of social occasions and outings for the whole family, this is seen as a way of bringing the family together during what can be an extremely difficult period when the brothers and sisters of a seriously ill child often feel lacking attention. Bereavement support PASIC helps Parents to provide mutual support at times of need and also assists the Chaplaincy department by providing support at the annual remembrance service. Communication PASIC produces a quarterly newsletter, which helps parents keep in touch with each other and provides focus on the ways that PASIC is able to help, either through the activities on offer or by sharing other parents messages. Support for teenagers PASIC is currently exploring ways of supporting teenage patients with activities specifically aimed at this age group. PASIC relies on the support of its partners in the hospital, the medical staff, the nursing staff and the social work team, to name but a few. This entails a need for a permanent member of staff funded by PASIC who undertakes the administration and co-ordination of the group’s activities inside and outside the hospital. Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children Made with Xara Web Designer Supporting families of children and young people with cancer, leukaemia and brain tumours PASIC, or Parent’s Association for Seriously Ill Children, was formed in 1977 by parents and a hospital consultant.  It was felt there was a need for support and that the best kind of support would come from parents who had shared a similar experience.  PASIC has now grown and is currently supporting over 400 families throughout the East Midlands.  A large part of that support comes through our social events - organised to bring families together in a relaxed atmosphere where they can catch up with friends that they have made whilst in hospital and make new friends with families whose children have already completed their treatment. The news that your child is suffering from a life-threatening disease such as cancer can turn your whole life upside down in a moment.  The whole pattern of living suddenly changes and the family is plunged into a world of uncertainty. As well as coming to terms with your child’s illness, you may face problems varying from isolation to financial hardship. Difficulties may include reduced earnings - due to temporary absence from work, travelling costs and increased heating and telephone bills.