Positive Steps

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.