Young Lives vs Cancer responds to the King’s Speech

“We need ambition. We need collaboration.”

Helen Gravestock, Director of Policy, Communications and Voice at Young Lives vs Cancer responds to the King’s Speech:

“Today is a landmark day, opening a new session of UK Parliament under a new UK Government.

“We’re pleased to see that improving the NHS for everyone and addressing waiting times, alongside improving mental health provision for young people with the same focus as physical health, will be key priorities of this Government. We hope that the unique needs, including mental health needs, of children and young people with cancer will be considered and addressed as part of these commitments.

“But we must go further. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to truly transform the lives and experiences of children and young people with cancer. We’re eager to see how the UK Government will stand up for, and stand with, children and young people with cancer and their families. From travel costs, to benefits, to a long-term strategy for care and support and more, young cancer patients and their families deserve better. “

“We need ambition. We need collaboration. Together, as a sector, as a system, as a society, we all have our part to play in transforming children and young people’s cancer care and support. Young Lives vs Cancer is ready to work with our sector partners and the UK Government to drive this change.”

Young Lives vs Cancer’s Manifesto for Children and Young People with Cancer sets out our top five priorities for the new UK Government to act on to transform the landscape of care for young cancer patients.