Physical Health United Kingdom Project #44423

Combating loneliness in Teenagers with Cancer

by Teens Unite Fighting Cancer

Combating loneliness in Teenagers with Cancer

Project Report | Apr 29, 2025
Combatting loneliness with personalised outreach

By Lesley Lowden-Smith | Trust Income & Operations Manager

Dear Supporters,

Thank you so much for continuing to support us in our mission to combat loneliness among young people living with and beyond cancer. Your donations are making a very real and personal difference.

Since our last update, we’ve been continuing our vital outreach work, which forms the heart of this project. Our Beneficiary Engagement Team have been making regular, personalised calls to the young people we support—checking in with them, offering a listening ear, and helping them stay connected and engaged with our programs.

These calls are more than just a courtesy; they’re a powerful tool for connection. They remind each young person that they are seen, valued, and not alone. For many, these conversations offer much-needed encouragement, a chance to share how they’re really feeling, and gentle accountability to keep looking after themselves and making time for activities that support their wellbeing.

Sometimes, just knowing that someone will call to check in makes all the difference—it helps break the silence that isolation can bring.

Thanks to your support, we’re able to keep showing up for young people in ways that are compassionate, consistent, and deeply human. Together, we are helping to build a stronger sense of community and belonging, one conversation at a time.

With heartfelt thanks,

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Jan 7, 2025
Touring the UK to Unite young people

By Lesley Lowden-Smith | Trust Income Manager

A picnic in Brighton

With your help we are breaking down barriers of isolation for young people living with and beyond cancer by taking our activities directly to them across the UK. Recognising the physical, emotional, and social isolation that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis, this initiative ensures that location is not a limiting factor for accessing vital peer connections and support.

Over the past three months, our team has visited Nottingham, Birmingham, Exeter, and Bristol, delivering tailored workshops and activities that focus on improving:

Physical and mental health
Social engagement and peer connection
Opportunities in education and employment

Each visit was designed to reflect the unique needs and interests of the young people in those regions, fostering inclusive environments where participants could share experiences, learn new skills, and build confidence.

Across all four locations, feedback consistently highlighted the positive impact of connecting with others who understood the unique challenges faced by young people with cancer. One young person shared:

“I was surprised by just how much having peer support from other teens that have had cancer improved my mentality, I left feeling less alone and more positive about the future”

Teens Unite aims to expand the Combatting Loneliness project in 2025, reaching additional regions to ensure no young person faces cancer alone. Plans are already in place to visit many more locations including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland in the coming months, further strengthening our national reach.

This project would not be possible without your generous support. Your contributions directly enable us to reach young people in need, providing them with the tools and community to thrive. We thank you for your continued belief in the importance of combatting loneliness and isolation.

Board Games in Bristol

Excitement in Exeter

Nice day in Nottingham

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Sep 5, 2024
All inclusive football, frisbee & pizza

By Lesley Lowden-Smith | Trust Income & Operations Manager

This summer, with your generous support, Teens Unite hosted a fantastic picnic in Hyde Park aimed at fostering connections and combating loneliness among teenagers and young adults overcoming cancer. The event saw 17 young people come together for a day of fun, games, and friendship, surrounded by the beauty of Hyde Park on a warm, sunny day.

Event Highlights:
We kicked off the day with a lively game of "Splat," an icebreaker that always sparks a bit of friendly competition. After a thrilling round, Layla claimed the win! The group then participated in a few more icebreakers, helping everyone to feel comfortable and get to know one another before diving into the picnic.

As the pizzas arrived, the young people chose from a variety of activities including football, frisbee, and Uno, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for plenty of meaningful conversations and opportunities to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

It was especially heartwarming to see both familiar faces and newcomers at the event. Many beneficiaries expressed how much they appreciated the chance to meet new people and catch up with old friends, creating a supportive environment where they felt truly understood.

Impact on Beneficiaries:
This picnic was more than just a fun day out – it provided a vital space for young people to feel less isolated, to share their experiences, and to build meaningful friendships. Events like this are crucial in helping young people overcome the emotional and social challenges that often accompany their medical journey.

Thank You:
None of this would have been possible without the support from our supporters. Your contributions helped create a memorable and impactful experience for these young people, offering them a sense of community and belonging. We look forward to continuing to provide these opportunities, and we can’t wait for the next event!

Looking Ahead:
We are excited about the future and plan to continue offering activities like this that address loneliness and social isolation. Your ongoing support makes a lasting difference in the lives of young people overcoming cancer, and we hope you will join us again in future endeavours.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for making events like this possible!

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