Positive Steps

Thanks to your continued generosity, supporting our Positive Steps project, we were able to host 58 young people, along with some of their family and friends, at our annual ‘Discover You’ event. Held at the incredible Samsung KX venue, this impactful day equipped teenagers and young adults (TYAs) with the confidence, motivation, and skills to take the next steps in achieving their goals and aspirations—without cancer holding them back.

The day featured inspiring talks from speakers Mesha Moinirad and Jonathon Acott, who shared their personal experiences to motivate and empower everyone in attendance. TYAs also had the chance to participate in carefully crafted breakout sessions designed to foster professional and personal growth.

Morning Breakout Sessions: Professional Development

• LinkedIn Masterclass with Rebecca Long, Senior Fashion Category Manager at eBay
• Mastering Communication workshop with Mesha Moinirad
• Right Role for the Right Person session with Gina Kingsland, HR Director at Fishpools

Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Creative Exploration

• Cupcake Decorating Masterclass with Cristy Sharp, star of The Great British Bake Off
• Podcasting Taster Session with Taylor James, founder and host of The Waffle Shop podcast
• Sport and Fitness After Cancer discussion with Ryan Collard of Cancer Lads

Adding to the excitement, rising star Lex Gibbon gave a stunning performance during lunch, bringing the room together with her amazing singing talent. Another highlight was the highly competitive Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament, which had everyone laughing, chatting, and forming new connections.

The Impact

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

• 93% of TYAs left feeling equipped and ready to take the next steps in employment.
• 98% reported discovering more about themselves and the goals they want to achieve.

As one participant shared:
"Every single speaker, breakout session, and opportunity was amazing throughout the entire day! I learned so much about myself and was able to meet so many other people who had experienced similar situations to me! Thank you for this opportunity Teens Unite!"

Your support makes events like this possible, giving young people the tools and confidence to thrive beyond their cancer diagnosis. On behalf of everyone who attended, thank you for your kindness and belief in our mission. Together, we are making a lasting difference.

As part of our annual calendar of in-person, and digital events, we have introduced monthly welcome calls.

We believe that a warm welcome is the foundation for meaningful engagement. To support young people recently registered with us, we have introduced monthly digital "Welcome" sessions. These sessions are designed to provide a comfortable and friendly environment where new beneficiaries can ease into our community and begin building connections with our team and each other.

Joining a new community can be intimidating, especially for those navigating the challenges of cancer. Our digital welcome sessions offer a gentle introduction, helping new members feel less overwhelmed and more at ease with taking their first step into the Teens Unite family.

The sessions allow young people to meet and spend time with their peers, fostering a sense of belonging from the outset. This early connection is crucial for reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among young people affected by cancer.

By attending these sessions, the young people gain confidence to engage with our broader activities and programs. The friendly, supportive atmosphere reassures them that they are joining a community that genuinely cares about their well-being.

These sessions also enable our Beneficiary Engagement Specialists, Josh and Katie, to better understand the needs and concerns of each new young person, allowing us to tailor our support and ensure that everyone feels seen, heard and valued.

We have seen a positive correlation between attendance at the welcome sessions and subsequent engagement in other Teens Unite activities. Young people who participate in these sessions are more likely to join our in-person and digital events, contributing to a higher overall participation rate.

The connections formed during these sessions lay the groundwork for lasting friendships and support networks among the young people we support, which are crucial to their long-term mental and emotional well-being.

The monthly 'Meet the Team' events have proven to be an effective tool in welcoming new young people into our community, easing their transition, and encouraging active participation in our programs.

We look forward to continuing these sessions and further enhancing the support we provide to young people living with and beyond cancer, and we thank you for your support which ensures the continuation of this vital step in our relationship with the young people we support.