Whilst we see many adults affected by cancer at the centre, it is also important to us to provide a safe space for young people too. With 1-1 support available for adults and children, a couple of years ago we identified a gap for group support for young people. With that Time4 Teens (13-18 year olds) and Time 4 Tweens (8-12 year olds) after school clubs commenced.
Each year we see new young people drip feed in and all start with us very quiet and hold back. This year since taking over and running the Time4Teens group myself, it has been an honour and priviledge with our incredible volunteers, to not only support the young people but to watch them blossom and grow.
The last few weeks at our Teens group has seen a few of them go through their GCSE’s whilst feeling the pressure to choose colleges and courses to continue their education. This takes me back to Harry’s last year with us, whilst being in hospital and his brother and sister trying to keep a focus on their GCSE’s and A-levels. We hear all over the news about the pressure people are under for exams, and that is without going through extreme situations like dealing with cancer personally, or with a loved one.
Whilst we have always had a vision and understand the importance of supporting young people, this last few weeks has really resonated and highlighted the importance of providing the consistancy of a safe space, and also ensuring the young people have a few hours to escape reality and also have fun whilst allowing them to express themselves as much or as little as possible.
This is why the last couple of weeks has been about pure fun, with a BBQ and outdoor games session, followed by an end of term trip out to harvester to jsut sit, have food and talk as a group. We then had our incredible Time 4 Teens ‘Fun and Friendship Ambassador’ Sam, create and lead the way for his own Games night which saw they youngsters (and us oldies) participate in his take of taskmaster.
Whilst the sessions have now ended for the school academic year due to families taking time for holidays, we have a day trip planned during the holidays so we can check in to see how they are doing. They also know at any point, they can reach out and drop in to the centre with their parents permission if they are at a loss during the holidays.
Myself (who runs the teens group) and Maryia (who runs the Tweens Group) would like to thank our incredible volunteers Kirk, Brian and Gill for their ongoing commitment and support with running the after school clubs. We could not do this alone, and we also thank our wonderful supporters that enable us to ensure there is ongoing support for these special young people who are experiencing more than most do in a life time.
Finally, our biggest thanks has to be to the young people and their parents, for putting their trust in us, and allowing us to be their safe space during a difficult time for all.
If you know a young person affected by cancer that needs support and may benefit from fun activities and a space to talk, do get in touch georgie@hhho.org.uk and remember, we do not just support the cancer patients, this can be young people whose parents or relatives have cancer or friends too.