Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust

The Light-Keepers Toolkit: Supporting Friends and Whānau

When someone is diagnosed with head and neck cancer, it is not only the patient who is affected. Friends, whānau, and loved ones also take on an important role as caregivers, encouragers, and companions on the journey. At the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust, we wanted to acknowledge this vital role and provide practical, meaningful support. That’s how the Light-Keepers Toolkit was created.

The toolkit provides simple, accessible information about head and neck cancer, treatment pathways, and recovery. It includes guidance on communication, tips for offering practical help, and ideas for emotional support. We used clear, warm language to make it easy to understand, while also providing links to trusted resources for those who want to go deeper. Importantly, we built it with cultural awareness, so whānau from all walks of life can see their role as one of strength and aroha.

The benefits of the Light-Keepers Toolkit have been immediate. Families tell us it helps them feel more prepared, less anxious, and better able to stand alongside their loved one. Patients tell us it eases their burden knowing that whānau have guidance and reassurance.

Just as light-keepers guided sailors safely to shore, this toolkit helps friends and whānau navigate uncertain waters. It is a gift of hope, strength, and connection — and we are proud to offer it to our community.