Amelie’s story: how our digital support groups reduced isolation

Young people with cancer are often in isolation, like Amelie, who was just 11 when she was diagnosed with cancer. We deliver online meetings for young people with cancer, so they can connect with others their own age, share their experiences and access specialist information, guidance and support.

“During my chemo I was always on my own in one room. I bumped into patients down the corridor. I’d say ‘Hi’ but they’d be tired and sad, and frustrated as well, so didn’t interact. It made me feel isolated and lonely.”

Young people with cancer can also find it really difficult to share their feelings with their family members, because they don’t want to add to the upset or cause further concern.

The online groups enable them to work through the issues that cancer presents for them and their families, like their emotional health and wellbeing, school, and managing relationships with friends and family when facing cancer.

Peggy, a Social Care Practitioner involved in arranging the meetings, says: “The young people have a lot of fun and spend time laughing and sharing top tips.”

Amelie’s mum, Lydia, explains how the group proved invaluable for her daughter:

“The digital support groups have been brilliant. Amelie loves to be able to talk about her experience but also really likes listening to other experiences and stories from kids her own age. It makes her feel it’s not just her and she is not alone.”

Amelie added: “The sessions were good for everyone there – you have a terrible time in hospital dealing with cancer, but then you come out and you can bond with people who’ve gone through a similar thing. I was proud of myself for asking lots of questions, because other people, if they were a bit more shy or isolated, might not be able to. My questions helped them.”

Find out more about the support we offer at Young Lives vs Cancer

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A young man with cancer sits in front of his laptop

Author: lizzie.wrobel

Posted on Wednesday 15 January 2025

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