Young people in the West of Scotland facing a cancer diagnosis will receive vital emotional support, thanks to the Teenage Cancer Trust’s Youth Empowerment Programme. The programme ensures young people undergoing cancer treatment have access to specialist Youth Support Coordinators who provide essential emotional and practical assistance at a critical time in their lives.

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer. Through its dedicated units in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, the charity ensures young people receive age-appropriate care and access to trained professionals who understand their unique needs.

Every year, around 248 young people in Scotland aged 13-24 are diagnosed with cancer, and many struggle to access the support they need to navigate their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The Youth Empowerment Programme provides tailored support to young people living with cancer. They offer guidance on managing treatment side effects, assist in maintaining social connections, and create opportunities to meet others going through similar experiences.

Through individual and group activities, the programme reduces feelings of isolation and helps young people maintain their mental health and wellbeing throughout and beyond their treatment.

The programme’s impact has been strengthened with a £2,000 donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. This funding will provide 80 hours of emotional support, ensuring more young people can access the care they need at a time of immense challenge. With no government or NHS Scotland funding, the Teenage Cancer Trust relies entirely on donations like these to continue its important work.

Joanne Clark, Trusts and Foundations Executive at the Teenage Cancer Trust, said:

“Thank you to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their incredibly kind support of our work. This generous donation will make a lasting impact on the lives of young people with cancer, making sure they get the best possible care and emotional support they need and deserve.”

Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group, said:

“Cancer touches every family, including my own, and a cancer diagnosis is something nobody should have to face alone at any age, especially as young as just 13. The work of the Teenage Cancer Trust provides essential support at a time when it is needed most, and we’re proud to contribute to this wonderful programme.”

This funding will ensure that young people in the West of Scotland facing cancer are not alone. By providing vital emotional support, the Teenage Cancer Trust makes a profound difference in the lives of Scotland’s young people who are undergoing cancer treatment, giving them the confidence, care, and connections they need at a crucial time.