Selfcare Workshops for Young People with Cancer

On the 20th July 15 of the young people we support came together in London with Teens Unite and Look Good Feel Better, for a day of pampering.  For many of the young people that attended the workshop this was the first opportunity since their diagnosis to meet others the same age, in similar situations.  They were able to share their feelings, hopes, fears and experiences in a way they had not been able to do with anyone else.  This has led to some life-long friendships being formed, where the young people are able to support each other through the darker times of their cancer journey and beyond.

During the workshop the young people were pampered with professional reflexology, manicures and professional make-up.  They were able to enjoy a spa like experience without the worry of feeling self conscious.  The young people were treated to lunch, where they could take time to talk and get to know one another and hear each other's stories, and speak not just about illness, but of the wider world.

This is what some of the young people had to say about the day:

"I've never been surrounded by so much love, positivity, strength and bravery before.  I met Georgia who was diagnosed with the same cancer as me at the same time, we were the same age, treated at the same time and were given the all clear at the same time too.  The unique thing about Teens Unite is they don't see me as someone with cancer, they see me as someone who can achieve anything.  More inportantly they've made me believe I can achieve anything.  I can be whoever I want to be, and they help you grow as a person with potential." Melissa, 21

"The group was lovely, the workshop was great, and as ever I was made to feel so welcome and supported by everyone - it really does make so much difference to how I feel and means so much to me.  I came away feeling brighter than I have done for a while.  At the end of the day though, we get the medicing, therapies and treatment for cancer from doctors, but the love and support you provide really does give a boost that helps so much throughout the onsalught of everything else." Rachel, 22

At Teens Unite we want to ensure that every young person who is diagnosed with cancer has access to experiences like our Beauty Pamper day; to boost confidence and self-esteem, and to build vital peer support networks for young people on their cancer journey.  Over the next year, more than 2,280 young people will hear the words 'You. Have. Cancer' with the funding you provide we can make their battle with the illness just that little easier.

The planning us well underway for a Teens Unite Beauty workshop on 20th July, to be held at the Admiral Codington in London.  Our partners, Look Good Feeling Better are busy packing goody bags for the young people to use on the day and take away with them.

During the day the young people are pampered from head to toe, with professional reflexology, manicures and pedicure and taken through a step-to-step guide for applying make-up, and get to take home some designer make-up to recreate the look at home.

For many young people, this will be the their first opportunity to meet others their age fighitng cancer, and will enable them to share their thoughts, feelings, hopes and fears in a way they haven't been able to with anyone else.

The young people are able to enjoy a relaxing spa-like experience without the worry of feeling self-conscious or 'out of the ordinary'.  Over lunch they can take the time to get to know one another and hear each others stories and speak, not just about illness, but the wider world.

What do they young people have to say?

Just to remind you of how important your donations are and how much if a difference you will be making to a young person fighting cancer, we wanted to share this quote with you from a young person who attend one of our Beauty Workshops

"I admit I was feeling sceptical about being at the workshop and surrounded by people who looked or felt as I did.  I think it was safe to say that since meeting everyone that day I've never looked back.  What stood out was how much everyone was laughing, and how positive they all were.  Before then, I'd only known how to be depressed about having cancer.  People would avoid the subject and feel awkward asking how things were going.  I had no idea there were other young people in the same situation as me." Georgia, 22

Links:

• Teens Unite Website