Every day, ten families in the UK are told their child has cancer. The role of the charity CLIC Sargent is important in providing the care and support these families need.

CLIC Sargent is the UK's leading cancer charity for children and is very active in Oxfordshire, not least because Oxford is home to one of the UK's specialist children's cancer and leukaemia treatment centres at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Reflecting CLIC Sargent's own agenda, the Paediatric Oncology Centre, opened last year, is designed for the welfare of children, teenagers and their families, and includes a new radiology department and a pediatric assessment centre.

To help families while their child is undergoing treatment, CLIC Sargent provides self-catering accommodation in their Homes from Home (all located within walking distance of the regional treatment centres). In Oxford, families can stay at CLIC Court on Jack Straw's Lane, just five minutes from the John Radcliffe Hospital and enjoy a warm and welcoming refuge. The child can also stay there while receiving treatment.

CLIC Sargent funds dedicated nurses and social workers with specialist knowledge. This allows them to spend time working with children and their families, including siblings and grandparents. This could be in the hospital, in the community, in the homes or in schools and workplaces.

The social workers provide practical as well as emotional support. They can help families with care of siblings, work, and financial commitments. Family support workers help when parents are at the hospital, helping with housework, and preparing meals.

Emily Lever, the charity's Community Fundraising Manager, said: "CLIC Sargent is also able to provide care grants. In many cases, the burden can be financial as well as emotional.

"Unexpected travel costs, after-school care, phone and utility bills add further strain if parents need time away from work to care for their child. Government grants are available but can take up to four months to be processed.

"We offer care grants of up to £300 to help with immediate financial pressures, as well as Compassionate and Exceptional care grants," added Emily.

Social workers advise about what financial help is available, and help apply for government benefits. Last year, the charity helped 31 families in Oxfordshire and gave out £6,237 in care grants.

Emily said: "We're looking for volunteers to help conduct research into companies in England, who might nominate CLIC Sargent as their Charity of the Year' and thereby form a powerful fundraising relationship."

The charity offers volunteers a host of opportunities to get involved.

"Whether you want retail experience in one of our high street stores, or to organise a fundraising event in your local community, CLIC Sargent has something for you," said Emily.

There are also opportunities to develop media skills by promoting CLIC Sargent, and to support fundraising events.

The charity's website has information on its volunteer and fundraising activities at www.clicsargent.org.uk/Getinvolved, or you can ring 01865 761761. To contact Emily, write to CLIC Sargent, 11a Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 7BW. You can also email Emily.Lever@clicsargent.org.uk