#staying united through COVID-19

For so many people, the current pandemic has been isolating and lonely.  For our beneficiaries, already isolated by their illness, the period has been particularly difficult.  However, we have been continuing to do all we can to ensure that these young people have the opportunity to learn new skills, increase their confidence, regain their self- esteem, and most importantly have the opportunity to connect with other young people who genuinely know what it is like to face cancer in your teenage and adult years.

Since March 2020, when Government Advice was to “shield” and to stay home to stay safe, we moved our Positive Steps program to online delivery, utilising an online platform to deliver the same regular activities, inspiring these young people to recognise their potential now and in the future; empowering them to live every moment to the full.

Rather than three face to face activities each month, we have been delivering four “digital” sessions each week – supporting more young people than ever. The young people have taken part in a number of different activities, all with the same overriding objectives, to rebuild confidence, improve self esteem, teach some new skills, and to connect them with others who genuinely know what it is like to face cancer in your teenage or young adult years.

After each of our digital sessions, the young people are sent a survey to help assess our delivery against objectives.  100% of the beneficiaries feel more connected as a result of the sessions, 92% feel that they have learned something new or achieved something, 97% feel that their confidence has increased and 100% feel part of a community that genuinely understands them.

SO, to everyone who has been supporting our staying united through Covid-19, a huge thank you.  Your support has ensured that, even during the global pandemic, we have been able to continue to unite these young people and help them to see that there is life beyond cancer.