Teenager and Young Adults with Cancer (TYA)

Aims and Objectives

• We look after young cancer patients, aged between 16 and 24 years old.
• Our aim is to support you through your diagnosis and treatment for cancer, helping you to reach the important goals in your life.
• Our specialist team, which includes doctors, nurses, and social workers will work together with you and your family.
• We work closely with any other hospitals and professionals involved in your care.
• We always listen to our young patients and value your input into how we can improve what we do.

Our team will provide you with emotional, social, and practical support at every stage.

Teenage Cancer Trust Clinical Nurse Specialist: Ruth Coles

• Emotional and social support; through diagnosis, treatment and beyond
• Support and information for patients, their friends and family
• An additional link with your keyworker / clinical nurse specialist / medical team
• Link to other professionals and support services
• Support groups and social activities

Ruth.Coles@SomersetFT.nhs.uk

07760551214

Young Lives Vs Cancer Social Worker: (You will be referred to the central team by your Teenage Cancer Trust Clinical Nurse Specialist)

• Emotional, financial, and practical support to help young people continue with their everyday lives
• Help to apply for benefits or grants
• Information and signposting to other useful services
• Support groups and social activities

Clinical Lead: Consultant Haematologist Dr Deepak Mannari

Teenage and young adult peer support takes place approximately every six weeks. This is an opportunity to meet other young people who have experience of cancer.

Young people have access to a wide variety of events and activities including:

• Find your sense of tumour and the ultimate backstage experience facilitated by Teenage Cancer Trust.
• Confidence building sailing trips facilitated by Ellen Macarthur Cancer Trust.
• Teenage and Young Adult beauty sessions facilitated by Look Good Feel Better.

Move Against Cancer a programme for anyone aged 13-30 diagnosed with cancer and is designed and delivered by MOVE Level 4 Cancer Rehab Specialists. They offer a free 8-week online building foundations programme for 13-30 year olds living with and beyond cancer. Their online programmes are led and designed by MOVE Level 4 Cancer Rehab Specialists. This programme is available to all, regardless of whether they have been active or inactive before they were diagnosed with cancer.

The aim is to:

•  Reduce short-term and long-term effects of treatment.
•  Self-manage and reduce cancer related fatigue
•  Improve function and overall quality of life
•  Improve fitness
•  Improve muscle strength and conditioning
• Improve mental wellbeing
• Help young people to live a happier and healthier life.
• Keep exercise and activities fun and interactive