Summer of excitement beckons for young people affected by cancer

Young people can enjoy six weeks of video gaming, outdoor activities and a trip to Alton Towers thanks to CancerCare, this summer.

The charity is running a special programme of free activities as part of its Children and Young People’s Service which provides therapy and support to young people who have experienced bereavement, who have cancer or a life limiting condition either themselves or in their family.

The programme is open to young people in North Lancashire and South Cumbria aged between 12 and 17 and runs from 25 July to 30 August. Activities include E-gaming sessions at Lancaster University, swimming at the Sandcastle in Blackpool, quad-biking, arts workshops, ice skating, pet therapy and pamper day, ending with a two-day glamping trip to Alton Towers.

Some of the activities are only available to young people who are eligible for CancerCare services, however others are open to anyone within the age bracket, providing they attend as part of the group.

The programme is being funded by CancerCare, Lancaster University and Morecambe-based youth and community development organisation CEEP Limited.

Youth worker Lou Andrews, who runs ReFresh, CancerCare’s young people’s peer support group, said: “As well as being lots of fun the programme has been specially designed to enable young people build mental resilience to help them deal with whatever they have going on in their lives.

“It’s targeted at young people who are affected by cancer and bereavement but it’s also for young people who would not necessarily approach us for counselling. They may go on to access our services after the programme so it is a good introduction for them to the work that we do.”

For the full programme of activities can be seen at www.cancercare.org.uk or email [email protected]

The ReFresh Peer Support Group meets every Wednesday from 6.15-7.30pm.