Positive Steps

Overcoming cancer is just the start of the battle. These young people are disproportionately impacted by mental health & emotional wellbeing issues, facing depression, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). One in four young people will face a mental health issue in their lifetime, this increases to three in four where they have faced cancer.

For this event, we headed to the Globe Theatre on London’s Southbank. The reconstruction of the Elizabethan Playhouse where William Shakespeare wrote his plays is iconic, and a unique, breath-taking theatrical space.

The day started with a guided tour. Following in the footsteps of Othello, King Lear, Hamlet, and Macbeth our guide shared the stories and the secrets of the theatre and its performances, they vividly bought to life the colour and sound of the 16^th Century Playhouse from it’s opening in 1599 to its destruction in 1613 by a devastating fire. They then told of its faithful reconstruction and how today it is a global phenomenon with worldwide acclaim.

Acting is an excellent way for the young people to decrease their feelings of anxiety, an opportunity for them to escape how they’re feeling, and be someone else for a short period of time – someone with a completely different life and mindset. They were all invited to take centre stage, channel their inner Shakespeare, and join a ‘lively action’ drama workshop led by professional actor, Sam.

Sam was on hand to answer any questions that the young people had about the industry, and everyone learnt some new acting techniques, before taking part in a once in a lifetime opportunity of performing a Shakespearean scene on the stage.

This provided a much-needed opportunity to build confidence so often lost through a cancer journey – it provided an outlet to make brave choices and conquer fears in a supportive, relaxed environment, as well as provide an excellent opportunity to engage with other young people who genuinely understand what they’re each going through.

In the 16^th Century, hungry actors may have headed for a post-performance treat of quails, larks, deer pasties and gingerbread and fritters, but our young thespians headed off to enjoy a lunch of fried chicken and waffles where they were able to continue to get to know each other. The social support networks that are created last way beyond the activity itself.

In keeping with our Shakespearean theme, we say “go raibh maith agat" to you for supporting our project helping teenagers and young adults to overcome the challenges that cancer brings.

Teens Unite is all about connections and community, bringing together young people aged 13-24 who are fighting cancer and its long-term effects on their physical and mental health. Hosting a series of on-line and in-person events where cancer is not what makes them different, but what unites them.

Digital deliveries are now firmly embedded in our strategy and help us to ensure that the charity remains as inclusive as possible – young people, no matter where they are geographically, or where they are on their cancer journey can log on, learn some new skills, and connect with other young people who genuinely understand what it is like to face a life-threatening illness in your teenage and young adult years.

And, for those able to travel, well enough to mix with others, physically, our in-person events are an opportunity to again meet others, learn new skills, and leave the event with a new support network.

Our digital events continue to be very popular, we’ve met with young people to have a game of bingo, take part in themed quizzes, got to know each other with Two Truths and a Lie, and wondered at what is going on when we have played Herd Mentality.

When we have met with the young people, they have enjoyed a graffiti workshop, a photo scavenger hunt, taken on The O2 with a climb to the top.

10 young people joined us for an amazing graffiti workshop, led by a professional graffiti artist in the infamous Leake Street Arches in London. The group took inspiration from all of the amazing art around them and created an incredible ‘Teens Unite’ Mural. Everyone got stuck in and created some beautiful artwork – definitely something that they should all be very proud of!

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Teens Unite event without grabbing some lunch afterwards at Draughts. Their hard work was rewarded with some delicious burgers and a great opportunity to chat to all of the other young people a bit more.

For our Photo Scavenger Hunt, we took to the streets of London, the aim of the game – collect as many photos of the listed famous landmarks as possible. This game came down to the wire with one team losing 17 points due to lateness!

Team No Direction took the win with their brilliantly captured in-flight photo in the ‘Best Picture’ round.

We then dined on a much needed Honest Burger – We all more than got our steps in for the day so it was well deserved!

This event was a great opportunity to work as a team, meeting and interacting with new people along the way, as well as exploring the beautiful city of London. 

We couldn’t have been prouder of everyone who attended our O2 event, where we scaled one of the world's largest entertainment venues and enjoyed the finest panoramic views of London city at 52m high. The climb was a 90-minute session of adrenaline-fueled adventure that challenged everyone in a safe space with others who understand. Once at the top, panoramic views of Canary Wharf, The Olympic Park and many more of the famous London landmarks were enjoyed together, having a rest before descending the steep roof.

After working up an appetite, we enjoyed a hearty meal together at Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger talking about the achievements of reaching the top of The O2 and how everyone found the experience. I sense by now; you may be noticing a little theme!

To everyone who has supported our digital and in person events, a huge thank you. With your continued support we will help more young people overcoming the challenges that cancer brings.