£59,000 in Support of Teens with Cancer

Living Magazines Teens Unite

Hundreds of young people living with cancer and the lasting effects will receive vital help and support thanks to a grant of £59,000 from Hertfordshire Freemasons to the charity, Teens Unite Fighting Cancer.

Seven young people hear the words ‘you have cancer’ every day in the UK. Teens Unite provides the emotional, social, and physical support needed as they overcome a cancer diagnosis and the challenges it brings. Around 90 per cent of young people diagnosed with cancer experience anxiety; 70 per cent experience depression and 83 per cent experience loneliness.

The charity organises activities and stays away from home, which bring young people together with others who genuinely understand. They learn new skills, rebuild their confidence, and take part in new experiences without cancer holding them back.

Studies show that one in four young people aged 16-25 have experienced at least one mental health problem in their lifetime. This increases to three in four where they have been diagnosed with cancer. Over 40 per cent do not have access to support for the mental health impacts of their diagnosis and treatment, however after attending Teens Unite’s activities, 91 per cent of young people feel their mental health has improved as a result.

The funding from Hertfordshire Freemasons will cover the role of the Charity’s Teen Liaison Executive for two years. This role not only organises and delivers these activities, but welcomes young people to Teens Unite; identifying their needs and interests, whilst also building relationships with social workers and hospital teams. This in turn ensures young people are receiving the support they need at different stages of their cancer.

In the last year, Teens Unite has provided 142 activities for young people: an average of 2-3 each week. The Charity is experiencing an annual 10 per cent increase in registrations, and the funding from Hertfordshire Freemasons will help Teens Unite to effectively manage this growth.

Roxanne Lawrance, Chief Executive from Teen’s Unite, said: ‘We’re very grateful to Hertfordshire Freemasons for their generous grant, which will be a massive help to us in supporting young people fighting cancer. We’ll be with them every step of the way, helping them to live a life outside of cancer.’

Neil Connolly, Head of Hertfordshire Freemasons, said: ‘I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Teens Unite with their hugely important work with young people coping with a cancer diagnosis. This is a wonderful charity that understands the long-term effects cancer has on a teenager, way beyond the illness.’