Combating loneliness in Teenagers with Cancer

Teens Unite is working to close the care gap for teenagers and young adults living with and beyond cancer. 44% of these young people do not have access to NHS services for the significant mental health impacts of their diagnosis and treatment.

Our vital support is needed nationwide and while our reach is growing, we have been working hard to further increase our national footprint.

Across the UK, our hospital workshops are now delivered to young people on active treatment, ensuring no matter what stage their cancer journey, they can meet other young people and start to create social connections that are so important in helping them feel less lonely.

While visiting a region our Beneficiary Engagement Specialists will also host a “meet the team“ event where young people, outside of the medical environment, can meet others in a similar situation, enjoy a new experience and share food and drink as they get to know each other. The social connections they make lasting beyond the event itself.

As they regain their confidence the young people then join any of our weekly digital activities and in person events with the new connections they have made.

Since our last report, we have hosted events across the UK, including a game of Junkyard Golf in Leeds, Boom Battles in Manchester, played board games in Birmingham and Cake Decorating in Cambridge. And as we report we are planning trips to Sheffield, Exeter, Nottingham, Brighton, Wales, and Kent.

To everyone who has supported our project to combat loneliness in teenagers and young adults whose lives has been impacted by cancer, our sincere thanks. You are helping us to create strong social connections, through which the young people thrive, not just survive.

In early December, we met with 15 young people under the age of 18 for our now annual and much anticipated trip to Winter Wonderland– it’s described as The world's best destination for festive fun, in the heart of London – and that’s certainly what we were hoping for. The venue was perfect for meeting new people, catching up with old friends, and socialising as we enjoyed the festive fayre and festive fun.

First, was a chance to get to know one another over a hot chocolate and a Christmas-themed game of 'Who am I?'. There were lots of laughs and it was the perfect opportunity to find out a little more about one another, and test everyone’s Christmas knowledge! 

We then headed to the Cirque Beserk show where we had a chance to watch some unbelievable talent from tightrope walkers to motorcycle stunts. It was a truly incredible show! 

Finally, some of the group braved the monkey swings, getting a beautiful view of London's Christmas lights (for whoever was brave enough to open their eyes!). 

The young people then wandered through the many stalls, took part in the activities and revelled in the skills of the entertainers. Walking around the stalls gave another opportunity to get to know each other and build networks.

Feedback from the young people who attended the event shows that 100% felt more connected, 100% felt less isolated and lonely and 100% would recommend our activities to another young person.

Joining us for this magical Christmas event, the young people were able to meetothers who genuinely get what they're going through, reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and enjoy a new experience with the friends they’ve made. To everyone who has supported our project, a huge thank you.