#staying united through COVID-19

87% of young people diagnosed with cancer have lost contact with their peers, and 83% experience loneliness

Loneliness affects people of all ages.  Younger adults aged 16-24 years are at particular risk of feeling lonely more often.  This is due to both psychological developments, and the many transitions that young people generally experience, add to that a cancer diagnosis…….

Loneliness is not just about a decline in contact or a change in relationships, it’s about a person’s identity and sense of belonging, which is why our online activities aimed at keeping our beneficiaries connected are so important. In addition to combatting loneliness, there are a whole host of other benefits to the young people joining our sessions.

Battling cancer takes both a very physical and emotional toll – it’s a real struggle to even accept your diagnosis.  “Art” is a powerful expression of emotions and can relieve a lot of stress, anger and sadness.  In our weekly creative activities, “crafternoons”, beneficiaries work using the creative process to express and communicate how they feel.  The creative process is recognised to help them cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences – it enhances their cognitive abilities, and again provides them with a real sense of achievement, improving their self-confidence and self-esteem.

Since our last report, the young people have been enjoying a series of workshops including Diamond Painting which helps tune their fine motor skills, improve their cognitive function and aids their concentration; photography and videography sessions, which as well as helping them to create memories are proven to relive anxiety, boost their confidence and help them to express themselves; macrame sessions where the pulling and working of the cords helps to strengthen their hands, improves their motor skills and enhances brain productivity; they have taken part in mindfulness colouring sessions which reduce anxiety, tension and stress, allows them to focus on one thing for a while – not their illness or their treatment.

The digital sessions remain essential in developing and maintaining strong and meaningful social connections for young people going through Cancer and its treatment.  Friendship and support are a fundamental part of our wellbeing, and we all need connections that matter.

From everyone at Teens Unite, thank you for helping us to reach-understand-support more of the seven young people aged 13-24 who, every day in the UK, hear the words “you have cancer”.