At Cancer Fund for Children, we support children and young people with cancer, their brothers and sisters, and we support young people aged 5-17 who have a parent with cancer. Through our experience of working with young people we understand that cancer can bring a number of challenges and for some life can become very difficult.
Young people tell us that they may experience anxiety and concern, that there are times when they struggle with how they are feeling, some may even be angry. For those that have cancer there are physical changes, demanding treatments and some may feel isolated from friends, family and normal everyday life.
Outside of family and friends, young people often need someone else that they can speak openly with and get support from. Our team in the community offer support to help you cope and better understand how cancer is impacting you. We work with all children and young people in a relaxed way and meet you where and when it suits you best.
We do this in the following ways:
Our Groupwork programmes allow children and young people with a similar cancer experience to build friendships and connections, gain support, develop skills and cope better with cancer in a supportive group environment. This usually takes place over three weekend residentials and we can cater for around 14 young people on each programme.
Diagnosed with cancer
The siblings of young people with cancer
Young people who have a parent with cancer
We also offer the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme for young people aged 14-17. Teenagers diagnosed with cancer will also be offered additional opportunities through our partnership with other UK based cancer charities.
Thanks to Cancer Fund for Children I met other young people who had been through what I had been through and were out the other end. This provided me with a sense of hope and a belief that I was going to make it.
I was listened to and encouraged. This experience has taught me that it’s better to talk to someone rather than have the thoughts and feelings STUCK in my head.
