Our CEO responds to UK Government announcement of Diagnosis Connect

Today (Thursday 17 July), the UK Government has announced the launch of Diagnosis Connect, an initiative to connect patients with long term conditions with charities who can offer support from the moment of diagnosis.

In response to today’s announcement, our CEO Rachel Kirby-Rider said:

“Diagnosis Connect is set to make a huge difference to everyone diagnosed with a long-term condition like cancer, connecting them with charities who provide invaluable support, including for their non-medical, psychosocial needs.

“We hope this new service will be equitably available to support children and young people as well as adults, as today’s announcement failed to clarify this. It’s crucial that systems of support are designed to work for children and young people from the start so their unique needs are met. They must not be an afterthought.  

“As soon as a child or young person hears the devastating news they have cancer, they and their families are thrown into a reality that no one should ever have to face. It’s complex, confusing and challenging – to come to terms with and to navigate alone.

“Young Lives vs Cancer are here so that no child, young person or their family have to face cancer alone. We’re proud to be there for anyone who needs us, through our specialist Social Workers, Home from Home free accommodation centres close to hospital, financial support and welfare advice.

“We strive to support every child, young person and family from the moment of diagnosis, but know that right now we aren’t reaching everyone who needs our support. Diagnosis Connect has the potential to help us make sure every young person with cancer in the UK gets the support they need, as soon as they need it.

“It’s brilliant to see UK Government committed to working in partnership with charities to make sure those who need it get support as soon as they are diagnosed. We’re ready to work with them and our NHS partners to make Diagnosis Connect work for all children and young people with cancer, and we hope they will commit to this new system being designed for children and young people from the very beginning.”