Our reflections on the Senedd and Holyrood Elections

The 2026 Senedd and Holyrood elections were always going to bring significant change, and throughout the pre-election period, Young Lives vs Cancer has been making the case that change on the issues that matter to children and young people with cancer and their families must be a priority for the new Welsh and Scottish governments.

Change that brings long-term improvement in their experiences and outcomes.

Change that truly addresses the distinct challenges they face.

Change that delivers the support they need, when they need it.

For children and young people with cancer, and their families, it might not always be clear why, or even if, elections like these matter to them, but the decisions taken by the newly formed Welsh and Scottish Government, and each respective parliament, will shape every aspect of their lives. The decisions will shape whether they are supported through the financial shock that cancer brings; if and how they access emotional support through the most challenging times; whether they get their life-changing diagnosis quickly to achieve the best possible outcomes; and if the system of support around them will respond as soon as they need it to. Children and young people with cancer have been overlooked for too long in national conversations around cancer care — not because their needs aren’t significant, but because of a lack of understanding on how their needs are unique compared to older adults and a misconception that cancer in children and young people is rare. But the change these elections have delivered provides an unmissable opportunity to put that right.

In Wales, the lack of a long-term national cancer strategy continues to show its impacts for all, but the absence of children and young people in the short-term plans that have been in place has left young cancer patients behind. I’m pleased to see that the incoming Plaid Cymru government has committed to a new Cancer Strategy for Wales and that children and young people will have their own place in the strategic approach. Crucially, we look forward to seeing action taken on the cost of travel for young cancer patients, after Young Lives vs Cancer’s long-term campaigning for a Travel Fund.

In Scotland, the existing Cancer Strategy for children and young people comes to the end of its term this year, so now is a crucial time for the Scottish Government to re-affirm its commitment to this important group, build on progress made so far, and set an ambitious direction for 2026 and beyond. Despite the dedicated strategy, we’re yet to see action to tackle the financial impacts of cancer, including quicker and easier access to disability benefits and support for travel costs for all young cancer patients.

The focus on cancer as solely a heath issue can hinder progress. It’s essential that both incoming Governments look across the systems of support for young cancer patients and families – health, social care, welfare, education, housing and more. This moment offers our elected representatives the chance to take a whole system approach.

Encouragingly, the debates that shaped these elections showed a renewed emphasis on improving cancer care, from tackling inequalities to strengthening public services. For children and young people with cancer, this must now translate into action: sustained focus on children and young people’s cancer services, recognition of the profound financial strain families face when life is turned upside down, and early support for mental health and wellbeing.

To achieve this, two things will be particularly essential – collaboration and ambition.

Collaboration with the people who know their experiences the best, the children, young people and families’ who must have their voices heard, and with the charities and groups that work tirelessly, delivering services and support every day, who understand the systems around them and can help deliver the solutions needed.

Ambition that means progress is no longer just incremental, superficial or solely adult-focused, that quickly delivers change that young cancer patients and families can see and feel.

The new Senedd and Scottish Parliament have a chance, and a responsibility, to go further and faster than before. Young Lives vs Cancer stands ready to collaborate and deliver the change children, young people and families need.

Find our more about Young Lives vs Cancer’s Senedd and Holyrood election manifestos and calls for the Welsh and Scottish governments: