Reducing Isolation & Building Lifelong Friendships

“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.” – Rose, diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, age 19

Thanks to your generous support, we have been able to deliver impactful experiences that foster connection, reduce isolation, and build lifelong friendships. Here’s a look at two special events from the last quarter:

Bristol Local Meet-Up - we hosted a fantastic local meet-up in Bristol! With a significant number of young people from the Southwest, it’s always heartwarming to see them come together in person. This time, we gathered at Chance & Counters boardgame café on the Christmas Steps, where the game of choice was What Do You Meme? – a hilarious game where players match phrases with pictures to create funny and creative memes. The game sparked lots of laughter and conversation, making it a memorable experience for everyone.

Following the games, the young people enjoyed some delicious pizza while chatting and strengthening their connections. These local meet-ups continue to highlight the importance of providing a space for young people to connect with others in their area who truly understand what they’re going through. Keep an eye out to see where we go next!

By attending this event, everyone was able to:

• Meet others their age who understand their experiences
• Connect with the Teens Unite team
• Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Enjoy a new experience
• Become part of a local support network

Our second spotlight event is our Be Creative: Make Your Own Soap Workshop (Digital Event) We are committed to ensuring that no young person is left out, regardless of their location or where they are in their cancer journey. This month’s Be Creative session brought young people together online for a hands-on make your own soap workshop!

Together, we followed step-by-step instructions, chatting and getting to know each other along the way. By the end, everyone had created four beautifully crafted bars of soap—perfect to use or gift to loved ones. These creative sessions continue to be one of our most popular offerings, providing a fun and engaging way to connect.

By taking part, everyone was able to:

• Enjoy a new experience
• Interact and socialise with others who understand their journey
• Reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Feel a sense of achievement
• Express themselves through creativity
• Learn a new skill

Thank you for making events like these possible. Your support ensures that young people facing cancer can find comfort, friendship, and joy through shared experiences. We look forward to sharing more inspiring moments with you in the future!