Cancer Support for Children & Young People
How can Charlie’s help?
Youth Session take place at Charlie’s on the last Thursday of each month Primary School age 4-6pm Secondary/College 6-8pm This is a chance to meet other children and young people going through a similar time as you, the opportunity to be yourself, chat about how you are feeling and feel safe in sharing your experiences. Groups are facilitated and youth led activities, it is a safe place for children and young people to be themselves, meet others in a similar situation and access appropriate support they would like. All aspects are voluntary to engage and participate, it would be great to come along and see what you think 😊 Peer support and opportunity to try something new!
Cancer Support Sessions
The sessions and activities are an opportunity for young people to come together, this reduces their isolation and expectations that they are alone and the only person experiencing this. The sessions are semi-structured with an opportunity for children and young people to engage in a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, movie nights, therapeutic and practical support around coping strategies such as anxiety, sleep deprivation, confidence, self-esteem when appropriate to the child/young person. A safe place to come together, have a trusted individual to talk to about feelings, views and questions about the cancer journey, be surrounded by like-minded individuals and engage in some social time to be a child/young person and have fun. Semi-structured sessions allow children and young people to use the space and time for what they need, either a chance to talk, relax, unwind, learn new skills, access support emotionally and practically and have some time for themselves. Ness and Karina feel it is key to provide support to children and young people experiencing such uncertainty and impact on their wellbeing, as adults we struggle to process the information regarding a cancer diagnosis and therefore to is essential that these children and young people have a safe and supportive space to be themselves and have people to talk to and peers to engage with.
Wellbeing Activities
Holiday Activities These activities provide you with an opportunity to meet others in a similar position to you, enjoy some you time and a chance to be yourself. Try something new, something that you have always wanted to do or something that challenges you, the main thing is to come and join us for some fun and chill time away from the daily routine. Meet up with the team You could meet up for a chat, a chance to talk about things that are going on for you, have a break from all the things going on and to be yourself.
Page by Page
Page by Page has been set-up in dedication of the Page family in memory of a dearly bellowed, wife, mother, and friend to many. The session runs once a month on a Saturday afternoon and is an opportunity for families affected by Cancer to come together with a team of experienced staff to help them through a difficult time. The sessions are led by Ness our Youth Leader, Karina our Art Therapist, with additional support by a Holistic Therapist, Cancer Specialist Nurse. The sessions are based on helping families to express themselves creatively and artistically and how cancer is affecting them as a family. We help families to have open discussions and tailor sessions to meet their needs.
Sleep Well… Relaxing bedtime rituals to try.
Read a book or magazine by a soft light
Take a warm bath
Listen to soft music
Do some easy stretches
Wind down with a favourite hobby
Listen to books on tape
Make simple preparations for the next day
Relaxation techniques for better sleep
Other Sleep Aids
Practicing relaxation techniques before bed is a great way to wind down, calm the mind, and prepare for sleep. Some simple relaxation techniques include: Visualizing a peaceful, restful place. Close your eyes and imagine a place or activity that is calming and peaceful for you. Concentrate on how relaxed this place or activity makes you feel. Close your eyes—and try taking deep slow breaths—making each breathe even deeper than the last.What is Cancer?
Cancer is a growth of abnormal cells in the body, which instead of dying the cells keep developing with abnormalities and cause a tumour. There are 200 different types of cancer. This does not happen because someone is naughty or been bad, and not because you have done anything wrong. It is something that can happen to anyone at any age.
Cancer Treatment
Treatment for cancer can vary and each cancer is different, some need an operation, tablets, proton therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy. Some have side effects which can make people feel sleepy, tired, be sick, not want to do much and sometimes they could lose their hair. All methods work to try to get rid of the tumour, reduce it or stop it growing anymore. The doctors and nurses will look for the best possible treatment and maintain monitoring of the tumour along the journey. This could mean more appointments and future tests and scans. They will monitor your loved one closely to ensure the impact and effectiveness of treatment and maintaining knowledge about the tumour.
Worries & Concerns
It will be a difficult time, everyone responds differently to medication and the treatment, some people experience sickness, hair loss, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea and many more. It is important to talk through your concerns and worries, as in many cases others around you will be feeling similar. No one will know the outcome, there are changes and improvements made every day in testing, diagnosing and treatment.
Karina
HCPC registered Art Psychotherapist
Ness
Families & Youth Worker