When the world is told distance yourselves, remain isolated, young people fighting cancer feel heightened levels of anxiety & loneliness. Relationships, connections & community are essential to prevent & tackle loneliness. Unable to fulfil our primary activities we've launched new digital meet ups. Our programme is a mix of interactive online video sessions eg Yoga, Live Specialist Q&As and fun off-line projects & e-learning opportunities. We're hosting group 'meet ups' online to keep connected.
87% of young people diagnosed with cancer have lost contact with their peers, and 83% experience loneliness. The stark reality of life right now means that society is beginning to get a sense of the isolation experienced by these young people. And, in a bid to prevent the spread of Covid-19, even those young people well enough to be out in society are actively being told to distance themselves and remain isolated. Relationships, connections and community support are essential tools.
At a time when we are not able to fulfil our normal Positive Steps activities, we have launched new digital activities, which will enable the young people to "meet" on a digital platform, and take part in an activity which will reduce their feelings of isolation, build their confidence and provide a sense of achievement as well as teaching some new skills. The young people will have an opportunity to chat and catch-up with others who genuinely understand what they're going through.
We expect the days, weeks and months ahead to be testing, even more so for those young people fighting cancer. We know that working together to support each other we will face the many challenges we meet, and by ensuring that on a regular basis they have the opportunity to "meet" and talk, we will help to reduce the loneliness and isolation and support them to be ready to face the world, recognising that there is life beyond cancer.
