Positive Steps

This report shares some very recent work that we have been doing with the young people we support, so recent in fact, the young people are still at the event as we prepare this report.

For a five day period in August, twenty young people, who are somewhere on their own cancer journey come together for an unforgettable, positive and uplifting time.  They make new friends that will stay with them always, as they share something in common that they can chose to talk about or not.

Over the five day stay, they challenge themselves physically and mentally, some of them for the first time since their diagnosis.  During the stay, they get to express their thoughts and fears through the creative process with art workshops, they do some physical challenges such as archery, rock climbing and bell boating, and they take on our Apprentice Challenge, preparing them for a return to work or education.  They'll take part in a "traditional school sports day" and enjoy a BBQ before relaxing in the gardens, or playing games such a giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, or card games. They'll get social and enjoy a quiz night, karaoke and a bit of beat boxing. 

But before all that starts, there is a gentle pampering session where the young people are treated to some relaxing hand massages as they get to know each other over a delicious pizza.

Sessions like this, and the Thai Chi and relaxation sessions that they participate in on the second day are so important for a young person following a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Cancer and its treatment can be stressful and the relaxation treatments and techniques that the young people learn, help to calm the mind and sharpen their ability to focus.  The combination of deep breathing and meditation learned in these sessions enable the young people to transport themselves, emotionally, to a place in which they feel safe and secure and better able to deal with things.

On the final evening of their stay, the young people attend a formal dinner to celebrate their achievements.  Ahead of the dinner, a team of beauty therapists come to pamper the young people, giving them a professional make over, helping them to come to terms with their new physical appearance, teaching application techniques and professional processes that will help to rebuild their confidence.  This confidence in turn helps the young people to move forward in all aspects of their lives.

To all of the supporters of this project, we offer our sincere thanks.  With your generous help, we are able to unite more of the seven young people aged 13-24, who, everyday in the UK, hear the words "you have cancer".