The c tea: Recent Episodes
Young Lives vs Cancer & Cancer Fund for Children
Have you ever heard the expression “what’s the tea?” According to urban dictionary it means when someone has gossip and you want to know every detail of as soon as possible. So that’s what this podcast is- spilling the tea on what it’s like to have cancer (or the big C) as a young person in Northern Ireland.
Recorded in 2021 during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic this podcast series is hosted by Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer (formerly known as CLIC Sargent) and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children. We have come together to talk about cancer services in NI and share the stories of the young people and families we support.
In this special episode Lily from Cancer Fund for Children and Simon from Young Lives vs Cancer talk to Viktorija who is 23 years old and has been supported by Lily and Cancer Fund for Children in Dublin. Viktorija was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer in August 2022 which has spread to her lungs, liver, and pelvis. She shares the importance of staying positive and surrounding oneself with supportive people. Her story highlights the significance of human connection, whether through the compassionate care of her medical team or the unwavering support of her family and boyfriend. Viktorija’s experience at Daisy Lodge, a place where young people with cancer can connect, underscores the value of community and shared experiences.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
In this episode we talk to Ryan and Rachael who have become fierce friends thanks to a residential in Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge. While there cancer diagnosis was different (Ryan was diagnosed with Leukaemia and Rachael was diagnosed with a diffuse midline glioma brain tumour), we spend some time chatting about their diagnosis and treatment, what Radiotherapy is like, and what life has been like since and the joy of meeting others and trying new things. Enjoy!
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Welcome to S4 of the C Tea!
In this feel-good and heartwarming episode, we’re joined by two absolute legends—Jake and Ella—who know a thing or two about what it means to be a sibling of someone diagnosed with cancer. Ella’s sister Phoebe was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Jake’s little sister (also called Ella!) faced a brain tumour diagnosis. They sit down with Simon and Helen to spill the C-Tea on what it’s really like being the sibling—how they coped, supported, laughed (a lot), and grew through it all.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children speak to Donna and Aileen who both had daughters diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 15 years old and were treated in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. They talk about what it was like to raise teenagers with cancer, supporting siblings, motherhood, life after treatment, and the joy of meeting other parents who just get it.
If you are a parent of child, teenager or young adult being treated for cancer in Northern Ireland there are support services out there for you! Get in touch with Cancer Fund for Children (details below) to learn about their parents support sessions, or you can join the Young Lives vs Cancer UK wide parents and carer's Facebook group here.
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund who enable us to share these stories.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
This mini series for the C Tea podcast celebrates Social Work Week from Monday 17th to 21st of March 2025. In this podcast episode Simon our Social Work Team Leader in Northern Ireland from Young Lives vs Cancer speaks to Daniel a 28-year-old residential social worker. Diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at 16, Daniel shares his journey from a healthy teenager to a cancer survivor and how it inspired his career in social work.
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund who enable us to share these stories.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
This mini series for the C Tea podcast celebrates Social Work Week from Monday 17th to 21st of March 2025. In this podcast episode the tables turn and Josie interviews Simon our Social Work Team Leader in Northern Ireland from Young Lives vs Cancer. With 13 years of experience, Simon shares his passion for supporting young people and families affected by cancer. Simon chats about balancing his managerial responsibilities with hands-on work, leading initiatives like the MOVE Forward program. His story highlights the importance of addressing non-clinical aspects of cancer, providing emotional, practical, and financial support. Simon reflects on his path to social work, emphasizing resilience, self-care, and the evolving nature of the profession. Enjoy!
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund who enable us to share these stories.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
This mini series for the C Tea podcast celebrates Social Work Week from Monday 17th to 21st of March 2025. In this podcast episode Simon our Social Work Team Leader in Northern Ireland from Young Lives vs Cancer speaks to Josie who was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in her early 20s but is now a qualified social worker working in Northern Ireland. Josie chats passionately about her career, the benefits of being supported by Simon and Young Lives vs Cancer, and peer support. Enjoy!
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund who enable us to share these stories.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
This mini series for the C Tea podcast celebrates Social Work Week from Monday 17th to 21st of March 2025. In this podcast episode Simon our Social Work Team Leader in Northern Ireland from Young Lives vs Cancer speaks to Cathie who had thyroid cancer as a teenager but is now a qualified social worker working in residential care. Cathie talks about her initial impression of Simon and how ultimately his support during and after her treatment inspired her career choice. Enjoy!
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund who enable us to share these stories.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Happy 2025! In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children chat to the wonderful Keira and Sophie. Keira was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) when she was 14 years old. Sophie was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 11 years old. After meeting at a Cancer Fund for Children residential they have become fierce friends and spend this episode chatting about their diagnosis and treatment, life in hospital, their wonderful dads, hair loss and how important it’s been to meet others who just get it.
In this podcast we reference some different charities and events that young people with cancer can access. They are: Cancer Fund for Children (see contact details below and more information below), the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, and Barretstown in the Republic of Ireland.
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House BelfastEmail: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children speak to Luci who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 15 years old. Luci talks about what led up to her diagnosis, her treatment in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, and what life has been like since treatment finished. Enjoy!
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this podcast and enabling us to share the stories of children, young people and their families in Northern Ireland.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children speak to Abbey who was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma in her left food when she was 17 years old. Abbey’s treatment was an amputation of her foot below the knee so this podcast talks about that surgery, recovery and the process of getting a prosthesis. This is an episode full of lots of laughter and funny stories so please enjoy!
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk| Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
It’s UCAS season again!! In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland talks about all things cancer and UCAS- if you’re currently in school and completing your application … or maybe you’ve taken a few years out for treatment or to work this podcast might be a helpful starting point when it comes to disclosing your diagnosis to UCAS and universities.
We are also joined by Cairenn McDonnell the Senior Medical Social Worker for the AYA team in Dublin to answer questions about the process in the south of Ireland for those wanting to apply there.
Young Lives vs Cancer is running a UCAS special drop in on Friday 4th of October 2024 from 2 – 3pm. For more info contact us via Live Chat on our website.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Happy International Friendship Day! In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland and her friend of 20 years Erin have come together to answer your anonymous agony aunt questions about all things cancer and friendship with some helpful advice and reflections from Olaf, Mark, Judith and Holly as well who have all been supported by Young Lives vs Cancer.
In this podcast we reference some different charities and events that young people with cancer can access. They are: Teenage Cancer Trust, Cancer Fund for Children (contact details below), Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Look Good Feel Better, and Move Forward. You can also read more of Laura’s helpful advice for friends on the Young Lives vs Cancer website here.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland | Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives | Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children | Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer chats with Lana and Kerrie about cancer related fatigue. Here are some links to the external charities/organisations who may be able to support you with your fatigue or provide more information:
- Macmillan Coping with Fatigue (tiredness) Booklet
- Helping Children and Young People Live Well with Cancer Related Fatigue information webinar from the Young Lives vs Cancer team in Northern Ireland
- Move Forward Crossfit Northern Ireland Programme: Website | Instagram @CrossfitMoveForward
- Move Charity Q&A Resources about Cancer Related Fatigue and their 8 Week Exercise Programme
- Trekstock’s resources on Exercise and their RENEW programme information
- Complementary Therapies with Action Cancer or at Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge
If you are struggling with cancer related fatigue it’s worth chatting with your medical team so they can do a full check up on you to make sure there’s no other reason for the fatigue and they may be able to signpost to other professionals (like occupational therapists or counselling) or specialist programmes (like Move Forward!). You could also speak to your Young Lives vs Cancer Social Worker to get support with work/education adaptions.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
If you’d like to get in touch with Teenage Cancer Trust
Website: https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeenageCancerTrust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teenage_cancer/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@teenagecancertrust
Sorry for the audio quality in this podcast! We recommend listening with headphones.
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children chat with Gareth who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Lauren with Leukaemia and Lee with . All of them had stem cell transplant as part of their treatment but as you'll hear the impact on them in terms of treatment and post-treatment has been so different.
JOIN THE STEM CELL REGISTER TODAY! Under 30 years old register via Anthony Nolan. Over 30? Register via DKMS UK.
If you’d like to read more about stem cell transplants you can on the Teenage Cancer Trust website here, more about Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on the Macmillan website, more advice from Young Lives vs Cancer about long hospital stays here (including helpful packing information). Gareth, Lauren and Lee recommend: a v shaped or pregnancy pillow (or just your own familiar pillow/blanket from home), treats and cooked food (even though appetite might be low) and downloaded shows/books (to circumvent poor wifi).
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer
Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220
Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children
Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599
Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children
Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children chat with Maddie and Finn who were diagnosed with Melanoma. They discuss what let them to diagnosis, their symptoms, treatment and lasting effects. They also discuss the power of friendships and meeting other people diagnosed with the same cancer as you.
If you’d like to read more about Melanoma you can do on the Young Lives vs Cancer website here
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
We also recommended looking at the resources and support from Melanoma Focus and Melanoma UK
In this podcast Helen and Conor from Cancer Fund for Children speak to Connor about his experience of diagnosis and treatment for Leukaemia. He discusses the events that led to his diagnosis, how gaming helped him through his time in hospital and the unwavering support from his family.
Cancer Fund for Children are working to build a Youth Engagement Group to ensure the voice of children and young people is at the heart of our organisation and they are an active voice in championing change across cancer services & we’d love for you to be involved
All applicants would need to be young people affected by cancer, aged between 8 & 17 and within 3 years of referral to the Cancer Fund for Children/4 years of bereavement
Want to apply? Simply follow the instructions on the application form here
Further questions? Why not get in touch with our Youth Engagement Specialist Laura via email at laura@cancerfundforchildren.com
You can read more about Leukaemia on the Young Lives vs Cancer website here.
Information on mental health support in NI can be accessed on the podcast description for s1e3 here.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Laura’s Instagram: @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children speak to Leah, Danni and Annaliese about their very individual experiences of diagnosis and treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. They discuss symptoms before diagnosis, treatment and reactions from friends and family.
You can read more about thyroid cancer on the Young Lives vs Cancer website here. Annaliese also mentioned Find Your Sense of Tumour ran by Teenage Cancer Trust and the Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust sailing trips. There’s more discussion about fertility post-treatment on s1e6 of our podcast.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Laura’s Instagram: @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
In this podcast Laura from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen from Cancer Fund for Children speak to Simon and Miranda about their son Ozzie who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia when he was 15 years old and sadly died in 2020. They discuss parenting through cancer and into bereavement and beyond. Please note this podcast is about the death of a child, which you may find upsetting or distressing. Please note as well that any medical discussion in this recording is strictly to do with Ozzie’s circumstances and will not be applicable to others.
Ozzie was a brilliant talented musician- you can check out his music on his Youtube channel and Instagram
There are organisations in Northern Ireland to support you and your family with bereavement. They are: Child Bereavement UK, Winston's Wish, the Compassionate Friends, Slow Group (online), Cruse Bereavement Support, as well as Young Lives vs Cancer and Cancer Fund for Children (details below). If you are a parent who has lost a child to cancer you can join our Young Lives vs Cancer Parent's Bereavement Facebook Group for peer support.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast
Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk
Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland
Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form
Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com
Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
This podcast is a conversation between Kathleen and Mise talking about motherhood before, during, and after cancer treatment. The last 15(ish) minutes of the podcast feature a fertility Q&A with Lisa Callendar Teenage Cancer Trust Clinical Nurse Specialist from the Ulster Hospital in Northern Ireland.
For anyone diagnosed with cancer while pregnant or within 12 months after giving birth Mummy’s Star is a UK wide charity providing support
If you’re concerned about your fertility before or after cancer treatment we have put together some resources that may be helpful- but please note you can speak to your clinical nurse specialist or Young Lives vs Cancer social worker for support with these issues.
Here are some websites which talk about fertility preservation for people undergoing (or who have undergone) cancer treatment. Check out the Sex and Fertility information on the Young Lives vs Cancer website, the Teenage and Young Adults with Cancer information on their website, the Cancer, Fertility and Me website, or the Macmillan website. If you’d like more information on alternative routes to parenthood (adoption, fostering and surrogacy) please look at the Young Lives vs Cancer Instagram account @younglivesvscancer under the highlight ‘Parenthood Q&A’.
Here is the website for the Regional Fertility Centre in Belfast, with their information about sperm banking. The Cancer Research UK information on their website here is also brilliant and comprehensive. (Remember to check out episode 2 of this series if you’d like to hear Connor and Daniel talking about their experiences).
If you are trans or non-binary check out this amazing new resource from the NHS Youth Form about your rights when accessing healthcare (scroll to the bottom to read about the document and download). Also check out Live Through This, a national charity who aim to provide opportunities for LGBTQI+ people affected by cancer to meet and share their experiences. Or TransgenderNI or Cara-Friend for non-cancer-specific support local to you in Northern Ireland.
Mise gives a shout-out to Dani on Instagram (@danigmakeup)- an influencer who has amazing videos on wigs, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Give her a follow!
Please remember that Young Lives vs Cancer and Cancer Fund for Children are here to support all children and young people (and their families!) diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Thank you to Granite Exchange in Newry for all your help recording and producing this podcast series. Also to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this podcast as part of our ‘Together we Thrive’ project and enabling us to share these stories.
This conversation was between Judith and Timothy about how faith has helped them through their diagnosis, treatment and the dark times. Judith was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when she was 21 years old living in Edinburgh. Timothy was diagnosed with cancer when he was 9 years old and has, in his words, had several near death experiences. At the time of recording this podcast he is now 14 and continues to have ongoing treatment and hospital stays. If you’d like to read Judith’s blog post in full you can read it here.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this podcast as part of our ‘Together we Thrive’ project and enabling us to share these stories.
This podcast episode was a conversation between Robert and John who are the dads of Adele and Fiadh. Adelle was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager and Fiadh when she was 4 years old. Both dads met at Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and formed a strong bond. They discuss mental health support for dads, their ‘dad’s club’ at the hospital, the strength of girls, and the importance of being on the same page with your partner.
As a warning, this episode includes a bit of swearing, sometimes graphic conversations about childhood treatment for cancer and bereavement.
Young Lives vs Cancer has a Facebook group for dads and male carers called ‘Mind the Chaps’ providing emotional, practical and peer support for dads across the UK. If you’re a mum check out our Young Lives vs Cancer for parents and carers group. Cancer Fund for Children runs multiple workshops, peer support and short breaks for parents. Contact them for more info.
Relate NI and Action Cancer offer couples counselling to those who would benefit from those services
Here are some bereavement charities and organisations who support families who have lost a loved one: Marie Curie, Anam Cara, Child Bereavement UK, The Compassionate Friends, Cruse Bereavement Support and Hope Again, Winston’s Wish, and Barnardo's Child Bereavement Service
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this podcast as part of our ‘Together we Thrive’ project and enabling us to share these stories.
This was a conversation between Mark and Jaime which explored two different experiences of mental health throughout cancer treatment with the shared message to ‘speak up not man up’. Their advice is that your mind is the most powerful thing and it will get you through but you need to look after it. Think about who is supporting you. What are you looking at online? Is social media helping or hindering you. Have aims! Like exercise or a nice event. Talk to others who have been through something similar. And lastly- everyone and every situation is different so do what works for you.
Read Young Lives vs Cancer’s Hidden Costs Report here
Join Teenage Cancer Trust’s Not Ok campaign here
If you’d like to find out more about the Crossfit Move Forward Programme running in Northern Ireland you can read about it on the Young Lives vs Cancer website here and follow them on Instagram @crossfitmoveforward. You can also check out Marks coaching page @mark_adams_coaching
The Here2Help app aims to provide helplines for users to get support instantly while also providing a wide range of links to reading materials that can help people in their time of need. Download now for free for Android and Apple. Or check out Minding Your Head for services in your area.
Other Mental Health charities and organisations that provide excellent support are: Aware, Pure Mental NI, Lifeline, Samaritans, PIPS, The Mix UK, Action Mental Health & Mindwise.
For cancer specific support check out Macmillan, Cancer Focus NI , Action Cancer and Charis for their counselling services.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this podcast as part of our ‘Together we Thrive’ project and enabling us to share these stories.
This podcast episode was a conversation between Conor and Daniel who were diagnosed with cancer during their teenage and young adult years and met at a games night. They talk candidly about not taking on the cancer patient identity as a means of reclaiming control as they navigated diagnosis, treatment, and life post-cancer. They chat about the language around cancer, feeling obligated towards others' feelings, and the shame of attending a fertility clinic at 17 years old with your mum. This was a refreshingly honest and funny conversation which we would recommend to anyone considering entering a health or social care profession.
If you’d like more information about sperm banking check out this leaflet from Belfast Trust / The Regional Fertility Centre or this information from the Cancer Research UK website. If your child is diagnosed with cancer before puberty there are less options to preserve fertility however research is growing in this area. Check out the Future Fertility Trust’s information on Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Thank you to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding this podcast as part of our ‘Together we Thrive’ project and enabling us to share these stories.
In this podcast Laura and Simon from Young Lives vs Cancer and Helen and Neil from Cancer Fund for Children discuss the services both charities provide to children, young people, and their families with a cancer diagnosis in Northern Ireland.
They discuss the uniqueness of their jobs, how they got those jobs, and share some advice for any young person or family listening who may find themselves joining the small community of children and young people diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland.
If you’d like to get in touch with Young Lives vs Cancer Website: www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Amy’s House Belfast | Paul’s House Belfast Email: getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Simon.Darby@younglivesvscancer.org.uk | Laura.Rohdich@younglivesvscancer.org.uk Call: 0300 303 5220 Facebook: Young Lives vs Cancer in Northern Ireland Simon & Laura’s Instagram: @Simon.YoungLives | @LauraYoungLives Move Forward Crossfit Programme Instagram: @CrossfitMoveForward
If you’d like to get in touch with Cancer Fund For Children Website: https://cancerfundforchildren.com/ | Daisy Lodge | Referral Form Email: services@cancerfundforchildren.com | helen@cancerfundforchildren.com Call: 028 9080 5599 Facebook: Cancer Fund for Children Instagram: @CancerFundforChildren
Here is a list of some other amazing charities in Northern Ireland and beyond we work with that may also be useful for you and your family: Teenage Cancer Trust, Alike, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Cancer Focus NI, Macmillan, Action Cancer, Friends of the Cancer Centre, The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity