JOIN US
We want you on Team Young Lives
Nice to meet you!
We’re Young Lives vs Cancer and we’d love to get your vote to be your charity of the year.
When we found out we had been shortlisted as one of your charities of the year, we were jumping for joy. We’d love to have you on our team and be a part of yours. Together, we think we can achieve some amazing things for young people and families facing cancer.
There are so many reasons why we think we should get your vote, many of which you can read about below. But quite simply, by choosing us you will be making a huge and direct difference to the lives of children and young people facing cancer.
What we do
When a child is diagnosed with cancer it threatens everything, for them and their family.
At a time when they should be busy being children, enjoying their rollercoaster teenage years or finding their feet at uni, life becomes full of fear. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, of overwhelming money worries, mental health stretched to breaking point, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are the charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.
We work hard to make sure each family has what they need to get through cancer. It could be a financial grant for a parent struggling to keep their child warm through their treatment or for a young person who can’t afford to get to hospital. Or helping a family stay together at one of our free Homes from Home close to the hospital where their child is having treatment.
And if we think families aren’t being heard by the whole system, we’re not afraid to raise their voices or shout on their behalf. Children and young people with cancer deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. We’ll always have their back, because we’ve been there before.
We’ll face it all, together – but we can’t do it without you.
What we do
When a child is diagnosed with cancer it threatens everything, for them and their family.
At a time when they should be busy being children, enjoying their rollercoaster teenage years or finding their feet at uni, life becomes full of fear. Fear of treatment, but also of families being torn apart, of overwhelming money worries, mental health stretched to breaking point, of having nowhere to turn, no one to talk to.
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we get that. We are the charity that helps children and young people (0-25) and their families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them.
We work hard to make sure each family has what they need to get through cancer. It could be a financial grant for a parent struggling to keep their child warm through their treatment or for a young person who can’t afford to get to hospital. Or helping a family stay together at one of our free Homes from Home close to the hospital where their child is having treatment.
And if we think families aren’t being heard by the whole system, we’re not afraid to raise their voices or shout on their behalf. Children and young people with cancer deserve the same opportunities as anyone else. We’ll always have their back, because we’ve been there before.
We’ll face it all, together – but we can’t do it without you.
“My Young Lives vs Cancer Social Worker kept me happy during one of the saddest times in my life.”
– Theo, 12 years old.
“My Young Lives vs Cancer Social Worker kept me happy during one of the saddest times in my life.”
– Theo, 12 years old.
How we help
We know everyone’s different, so we work hard to provide support that’s easy to access and meets individual needs. With the help of people like you, we can help families with everything that cancer throws at them.
Day to day support across the UK
From the moment of diagnosis, we’re there and ready to help families cope. Our social workers are there in hospitals and on the phone whenever families need them and our online chat and virtual support means every family facing cancer can access our support, no matter where they live in the UK.
The costs of cancer
Our research shows parents spend an average of £600 more every month when their child has cancer. Lots of travel for treatment, hotels, extra heating costs at home. It soon adds up.
We arrange Young Lives vs Cancer grants and help families get the benefits and other support they’re entitled to. Because day-to-day life doesn’t stop when you have cancer.
Homes from Home
Treatment is exhausting and often happens for months at a time, far away from home. Our Homes from Home are close to hospitals, where families can stay during treatment for free. They reduce the financial cost and emotional impact of cancer, keeping families together when it matters most.
Life after cancer
Our team of professionals work with children and young people to limit the damage of cancer. We work with schools on a child or young person’s behalf, helping them keep in touch with friends, organising work at home so they don’t fall behind and helping schools prepare for when a child goes back to school.
When a child dies
Hearing your child isn’t going to get better is every parent’s worst nightmare. We help young cancer patients and families prepare for death, if the unthinkable happens. We encourage them to think about how the child or young person can be remembered and help them deal with their worries.
We make change happen
Too often, young cancer patients and their families don’t get the support they need from the government. We listen to them, basing our research and campaigning on what they tell us to ensure we make the right change happen. We raise awareness of children and young people’s experiences and champion their voices to politicians and decision makers across the UK.
How we help
We know everyone’s different, so we work hard to provide support that’s easy to access and meets individual needs. With the help of people like you, we can help families with everything that cancer throws at them.
Day to day support across the UK
From the moment of diagnosis, we’re there and ready to help families cope. Our social workers are there in hospitals and on the phone whenever families need them and our online chat and virtual support means every family facing cancer can access our support, no matter where they live in the UK.
The costs of cancer
Our research shows parents spend an average of £600 more every month when their child has cancer. Lots of travel for treatment, hotels, extra heating costs at home. It soon adds up.
We arrange Young Lives vs Cancer grants and help families get the benefits and other support they’re entitled to. Because day-to-day life doesn’t stop when you have cancer.
Homes from Home
Treatment is exhausting and often happens for months at a time, far away from home. Our Homes from Home are close to hospitals, where families can stay during treatment for free. They reduce the financial cost and emotional impact of cancer, keeping families together when it matters most.
Life after cancer
Our team of professionals work with children and young people to limit the damage of cancer. We work with schools on a child or young person’s behalf, helping them keep in touch with friends, organising work at home so they don’t fall behind and helping schools prepare for when a child goes back to school.
When a child dies
Hearing your child isn’t going to get better is every parent’s worst nightmare. We help young cancer patients and families prepare for death, if the unthinkable happens. We encourage them to think about how the child or young person can be remembered and help them deal with their worries.
We make change happen
Too often, young cancer patients and their families don’t get the support they need from the government. We listen to them, basing our research and campaigning on what they tell us to ensure we make the right change happen. We raise awareness of children and young people’s experiences and champion their voices to politicians and decision makers across the UK.
We go together
We don’t receive any financial support from the Government, we are here because of the kindness of people like you. From running our Homes from Homes to paying our social workers, none of that would happen without our supporters.
You’ll be making a huge difference to the lives of children and young people facing cancer, but we like to think you’ll gain a few things our of this magnificent relationship too.
We will make sure that you know just how big a difference you are making. And we will have some fun along the way too.
We go together
We don’t receive any financial support from the Government, we are here because of the kindness of people like you. From running our Homes from Homes to paying our social workers, none of that would happen without our supporters.
You’ll be making a huge difference to the lives of children and young people facing cancer, but we like to think you’ll gain a few things our of this magnificent relationship too.
We will make sure that you know just how big a difference you are making. And we will have some fun along the way too.
The opportunities are endless
Fundraising opportunities
From the classic bake sales and fancy dress to challenging group hikes and local runs, we’re never short of ideas and ways for you to have fun as a team. You’ll always have one of our expert fundraisers there to support you every step of the way, no matter which activity you choose to take on as a crew.
We’ve got plenty of materials for you to use at every fundraising event you hold and some top tips on how to get the money rolling in.
Volunteering opportunities
No matter what you choose to do, how long you choose to do it for, or why you choose to do it, by joining our team you’ll be part of a team effort to provide vital services to children and young people with cancer.
Opportunities are endless. Whether you help out at an event, in one of our shops or in a Home from Home, we have so many great ways for you to lend a hand and gain a great deal from it yourself.
Up for a challenge
Jumping out of a plane, running a marathon, taking on the three peaks or doing a Cornish coastal walk, there are so many challenges out there for everyone. They offer a great opportunity for team bonding and are an exciting excuse to get out of the office.
We’ll be on hand to offer plenty of training advice and support for any challenge you take on and you’ll receive a nice shiny medal once you’re done!
“Young Lives vs Cancer did all they could to help in a difficult time. We are really grateful for everything they have done for us. Sumayyah is home now and she is happy and I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without their help.”
– Amira, Sumayyah’s mum
“Young Lives vs Cancer did all they could to help in a difficult time. We are really grateful for everything they have done for us. Sumayyah is home now and she is happy and I wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without their help.”
– Amira, Sumayyah’s mum
The children and families you'll be helping
Dulcie’s Story
When five-year-old Dulcie was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma, her mum knew their lives were never going to be the same.
Jess’ Story
Jess’s dreams of becoming an Aerospace Engineer came to an abrupt halt when she was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Mason’s Story
After first feeling unwell on Christmas Day, Mason was later diagnosed with leukaemia and sadly died at just two-years-old.