50 years of our Specialist Social Workers

Specialist social work has always been central to our mission. When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, the impact goes far beyond treatment. The emotional, practical and financial challenges can be overwhelming. For five decades, our social workers have provided tailored, non-medical support to help families navigate those challenges at every stage.

On average, our specialist social workers support 386 new children and young people every month, and today we fund 103 social workers across the country. Behind these numbers is complex, highly skilled work: removing barriers, solving problems, advocating within systems, and prioritising the wellbeing of children, young people and their families.

They take the time to understand what matters most to each family. Whether supporting with benefits and grants, helping a young person process their diagnosis, coordinating with multi-disciplinary teams, or ensuring a family’s voice is heard, they provide expert guidance at moments that can feel overwhelming and uncertain.

Time and again, children, young people and families tell us how transformative that support is.

This 50-year legacy is carried forward every day by our social workers, who bring practical help and emotional support to families facing cancer. Nicky, a social worker at University Hospital Southampton, is one of those making a difference. She has worked in social work for 27 years and has spent the last 10 years supporting families through cancer with Young Lives vs Cancer.

“I’ve been a social worker for 27 years, and this is the best job in the world. Every day is different, and it’s a real privilege to be alongside families as they have their treatment,” Nicky says. She supports families in countless ways – from checking in with inpatients and outpatients, providing emotional support, helping with benefit forms, writing letters to employers, or simply offering a safe space to talk. 

Nicky explains the impact of her work: “Even in the 10 years I’ve been a social worker, I’ve seen the difference we make. Children come back and still remember the support we gave them. It’s amazing to think of all the hundreds of thousands of families across the country that we’ve helped.” She also highlights the importance of the Homes from Home service, giving families somewhere safe and comfortable to rest and regroup during long hospital stays. 

Georgia, a mother from Hedge End, experienced that support first-hand when her daughter Margot was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Margot’s initial symptoms were subtle – tiredness and eye irritation – but after several hospital visits, the family received the devastating news. 

“When the doctor said the words ‘it’s cancer’, I remember everything just went blurry and blank. You hear that word and you think your whole world just comes crashing down,” Georgia recalls. From the very first days in hospital, social worker Nicky was there to guide them.  

“Nicky was consistent and there from the very start. She knew exactly what we needed and when we needed it,” Georgia says. “Having Nicky’s support was really great because it meant that when the doctors came in and had a conversation with us that I struggled to process, Nicky would pop in and help us understand what was going on. She would sit there with us, talk us through it and check in.” Nicky helped the family understand what life in hospital and at home would be like, supporting them emotionally and practically through forms, letters, and conversations. 

Thanks to the support from Young Lives vs Cancer, Georgia and her family were able to focus on caring for Margot while navigating life outside the hospital. “If we hadn’t had the support from Young Lives vs Cancer, we would have been just working it out as we went along. We were taking it minute by minute, hour by hour, and we just wouldn’t have had any understanding, any foresight of what life was going to be like,” Georgia explains.  

Nearly a year on from Margot’s diagnosis, life is beginning to feel more normal again. Margot is now thriving. She started school in September, has started a new ballet class, and has even performed on stage. She has learned a great deal of confidence and empathy, showing resilience and kindness every step of the way: “If someone’s feeling unwell, she’ll make them a get well soon card.” states Georgia, “She cares so much about other people.”  

Georgia reflects on the lasting impact: “We’ve learnt first-hand the incredible difference Young Lives has made for us and for so many families on the ward. Donating to Young Lives vs Cancer means this support will continue for families when they need it most.” 

This 50-year legacy of social work is about more than support, it’s about giving children like Margot and their families hope, strength, and the practical help they need to live their lives fully, even while facing the hardest journeys.