“I’ve had many moments both amazing and heartbreaking.” Social worker shares insight into supporting young people with cancer this Social Work Week

A SOCIAL worker from Northern Ireland is sharing how she supports young people with cancer and their families during the most difficult time of their lives this Social Work Week. 

Lori, from Downpatrick, has been a social worker for 10 years. She works for Young Lives vs Cancer, the leading UK charity for children and young people with cancer and their families. 

Lori said: “As a child I had a lot of empathy for others, and I felt very strongly about people being treated fairly in life. 

“I first learned about the work of Young Lives vs Cancer during a student work placement. I hadn’t experienced this type of social work before, and I instantly loved it. I made it my mission over the following few years to try and secure a job as a Young Lives vs Cancer Social Worker and this finally happened in 2017. 

“I support families with the ripple effects of a cancer diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards. This may involve providing financial support, support with education or employment issues and signposting to other support services. 

“My role can often simply be a listening ear; someone they can ring or text when they need practical advice or emotional support. In Northern Ireland we work closely with our teenage and young adult clinical nurse specialists and with other local cancer charities to ensure everyone receives the correct support.” 

Lori also helps families in Northern Ireland to access Amy’s House and Paul’s House, the charity’s free accommodation in Belfast for families to stay close to the hospital during cancer treatment. 

Earlier this month Young Lives vs Cancer launched its new report into the impact of the current disability benefits system on children and young people with cancer and their families. As part of Lori’s role, she helps families access financial support they are entitled to. 

The research found that, on average, young people and families facing a new cancer diagnosis across the UK have to wait six months before receiving disability benefits and have to immediately find over £500 a month in extra costs like travel, additional energy bills and clothes.  

While young people and families of children with cancer wait for their disability benefits, Young Lives vs Cancer Specialist Social Workers, like Lori, step in to provide financial grants, navigate them through the application process and help access support through their Welfare Benefits and Housing Support Service advice line in partnership with Citizens’ Advice. 

One Mum supported by Lori said: “I first met Lori when my daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia. One of the things she helped with was grants which really helped. One of the most expensive things is eating in hospital. I used the grants to help pay for food in hospital. 

“Lori was amazing, any questions I had, and she was there to answer. If I needed any help, I could pop Lori a message and she would explain. She has been very supportive. 

“Her help has been massive. I’m the type of person that unless help comes to me, I wouldn’t go looking for it.” 

Lori said: “I love how rewarding my role is. A lot of people assume that it must be such a sad job, which it can be, at times. But for me it is such a privilege to support people when they are facing a challenging time in their lives. The strength families I support show daily continues to amaze me even after eight years in this role. 

“As a social worker, it is in our nature to want to fix everything for our young people and families. With professional experience however it becomes evident that this isn’t always possible.  

“It is hard to fully switch off at the end of the day because we genuinely care for the families we support. However, as you gain experience you also learn to manage the emotional aspect of it so that it doesn’t impact on your own home life. This is easier said than done at times! 

“I’ve had many moments both amazing and heartbreaking supporting families. The moments that keep me going are the small things such as a thank you card from a parent, seeing a young person ring the bell signalling the end of their treatment, watching our young people build friendships at our peer support events and seeing our young people thrive after treatment.”