Supporting young adults (18-24 years old) and teenagers (11-17 years old) with cancer, and those who matter to you.
We understand that a cancer diagnosis for young adults can carry its own unique experiences and challenges. These require equally unique and specific support. Our job is to meet you where you are, to provide support that is engaging and informal and, provided you’re comfortable, to facilitate connections with others of the same age who are navigating a similar experience to you.
In Hospital
(11-17 yrs) We have a Youth Support Worker who provides support at St John’s Ward Crumlin. They provide one-to-one support while you’re an inpatient or receiving treatment on the day ward. Support is informal and engaging and delivered through a range of creative age-appropriate tools.
(18-24 yrs) We understand that receiving treatment as an inpatient or outpatient when you are a young adult is a unique experience. Our team of Cancer Support Specialists can meet you on the ward and explore what you need and how we can provide the right support for you at a time or place that works for you.
At Home
We have a team of Cancer Support Specialists who provide support on an individual basis. This is someone who will get to know you and your needs and provide social and emotional support in an informal way. This support can take place in your home, in the local community, a coffee shop, or incorporate nature and the outdoors.
Time Away
We offer all those we support with opportunities to avail of short breaks at our therapeutic centre, Daisy Lodge in Newcastle. You can decide who to bring with you.
Meeting Others
For a lot of young adults, there is significant benefit in meeting other young people of a similar age who also have cancer. We have several different ways we facilitate this, and we will work with you to determine the best option for your experience.
We can support your siblings through informal individual support and by providing opportunities for them to attend events and meet other siblings going through a similar experience.
Support can be for you and your siblings together or individually. It’s about supporting you all in the way that works best. This can take place in your own home, school, or local community.
Our Cancer Support Specialist can provide informal therapeutic support to parents in the community. We are always on hand to listen and offer ongoing support over the phone.
Books, Bits and Bobs! (11-17)
Books and movies are a great way to escape, have fun, and take a break from the everyday reality of treatment. Books bits and bobs is a virtual book club for young people (ages 11-17) who are going through a cancer diagnosis. We meet online once a month, usually in the evening on the last Wednesday to chat, connect, and have fun! We alternate between reading a book and watching a movie, then come together to discuss, play games, and take part in quizzes all around the topic! If reading isn’t what you love don’t worry, at times there are movie alternatives to the book or why not try an audiobook version. It’s a relaxed and welcoming space where you can meet others who understand what you’re going through, while enjoying great stories along the way.
Bottled Up Book Club (18-24)
Bottled Up Book Club is an inclusive, vibrant community for young adults across the island of Ireland to connect, share, and dive into the world of books! We meet online every 4-6 weeks to discuss the latest book we’ve read. Whether you prefer reading a physical copy, listening to an audiobook, or reading on your Kindle – we’ve got you covered! At each meeting, members can suggest books to add to our ‘to-read’ list. Then, for an element of surprise, we spin the wheel to choose our next book! Join us for great discussions, new friends, and an exciting literary adventure.
‘The C Tea’ is a collaborative podcast between Cancer Fund for Children and Young Lives vs Cancer, sharing the experiences of teenagers and young adults with cancer, as well as parents and siblings too. Episodes explore themes such as hair loss, identity, mental health, fertility and more, with a good dose of humour thrown in along the way. This podcast series allows you, or your family members to hear the experiences of others at your own pace, and when the time is right for you.
Alex's Story
April is Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. Alex is sharing his thoughts to shed light…
If you would like to find out more about Hospital Group Support for your child, please contact your cancer support specialist.
