Positive Steps

Since our last update, we have been continuing to help many young people, aged 13-24, who have battled or are battling cancer to make “positive steps” to regain their confidence, and take steps towards a future beyond their illness.

Our cookery day, which is designed to promote independence, encourage healthy living and learn new skills, took place. Six of the young people we supported attended and worked together to make, and then enjoy a delicious meal.  One of the Teens said of this experience “I have a new love for cooking….I have found something that I really enjoy and was actually good at… I have now started to pursue this as a career and I’m taking classes at college”.

During our bi-annual Discover You event, the whole day focussed on moving the young people forward, in a positive way.  There were motivational speakers, focused workshops and health and fitness sessions.  Shaolin Wellbeing gave a fantastic demonstration and their modern Shaolin, MJ, gave a motivational speech about dreams and goal setting.  Vicky Bailey, a qualified psychotherapist, coach and trainer, hosted a workshop where they explored and began to improve their resilience and ability to be the “best version of yourself”.  And,  Santander hosted their “MoneyWise” session which helps the young people develop the financial knowledge and skills they need to become confident money managers.

Our workshops, not always related to the Positive Steps program, regularly take place at the Ricoh offices in the City of London.  During the planned breaks, many of the staff from Ricoh take time to come and meet the young people, and talk to them about their own careers, possible future careers for the Teens and the pathways that they could consider helping them to get back in to education or work.  While these conversations are not part of any structured workshops, the support that the staff offer is very well received, and certainly gives the young people things to think about.

And, this year, 22 of the young people supported by Teens Unite were invited to volunteer at the fundraising Gala Dinner.  They had an opportunity to experience networking with high net worth individuals, talking about their own experiences and the work of the charity, as well as how the charity has helped them to regain their confidence.  The young people “worked the room” and encouraged participation in the silent auction, completion of pledge forms and participation on other fundraising activity.  This was a real opportunity to volunteer their time, and learn some valuable skills in an informal setting.

One of the Teens, said of this volunteering opportunity

'From volunteering with Teens Unite, I have been invited into the family and gain a sense of achievement.'

And other said

'Volunteering for Teens unite gave me the opportunity to build my confidence as well as gain and learn new experiences. Being on the other side as a volunteer as opposed to a teen, is really an eye opener to how much you do make a difference to other young people lives who are going through a similar situation as you did.’

We thank you for your support of our work, allowing us to unite more of the seven young people, aged 13-24, who, every day in the UK, hear the words "you have cancer".

Links:

• Past Events