Get support from other parents with CF Connect
What is CF Connect?
CF Connect is a peer support service where you can speak to a trained volunteer who also has a child with cystic fibrosis. You can talk through your experiences, hear from someone who’s also been through something similar, and feel supported in a safe environment.
Due to cross-infection, we know it can be difficult for parents and carers to meet and support each other, so we offer this service to help parents of children with CF get some support from someone who knows what you’re going through.
How do I speak to another parent?
To access CF Connect, you can fill out a request form or contact our Helpline team.
Will I speak to someone who’s been through what I’m going through?
We have a growing group of volunteers with varied experiences. We always try to match parents with a volunteer who has experienced similar things to you, or who feels they can help you with what you need help with.
How long does it take to speak to someone?
We try to match a volunteer with you within a week or two.
Will I have to explain everything to the volunteer first?
You can tell your volunteer as much as you feel comfortable sharing during the call. We will ask you before matching you with a volunteer if there is anything in particular you’d like to talk to them about, or if there is any information you’d like us to share with them beforehand.
Will I speak to someone who cares?
Of course. Our CF Connect volunteers all have children with CF and understand the specific challenges and worries you may have. They have also volunteered for this service to specifically support other parents who may be going through things that they have in the past.
How can they support me?
They can give you a space to talk on a one-on-one call, to talk things through with someone that understands. It can be very therapeutic to talk to someone who’s been through or understands something similar to what you may be going through so if you think it could help, please get in touch.
Because of the rarity and nature of this condition, I can't just wander down the road and join my local CF support group, so it's hugely isolating. That’s why this service is so important. CF Connect gives a link of support, hope and understanding from another person who knows what it's like to walk in your shoes and feel all the emotions that you’re feeling now.
Amelia, whose daughter Ava has CF
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects arpund 11,000 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.
Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives - and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.
Here to help
Our friendly Helpline team are here if you need us - whether you're looking for information, support, or just someone to talk to