The Haven House Teenage Cancer Group was formed in October 2016, after Jessica, who is in remission from leukaemia, suggested to one of our nurses that it would be nice to meet others with a cancer diagnosis in a less formal setting than a hospital.

The group now meets once a month at Haven House and is a great way for young people with cancer to have fun and make friends. This is something which they may need as they can sometimes feel isolated, particularly during the treatment phase of their disease, where they can be absent from school for long periods of time.

During the two and a half hour sessions, the group can play games such as darts, table football and cards, relax in the grounds, create some artwork and enjoy pizza and BBQ’s.

Antony, 15 from Chingford, who is having treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, looks forward to the group and says:

The group is like a mini family to me. I love meeting with them every month. I can relax, have fun and just be myself as everyone around me understands what I am going through.

Adam, Jessica and Antony are just three of the teenagers we support through the group. They talk candidly about the impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis and how the group provides support and the opportunity to have fun and make friends.

Katie Lewis, Specialist Children’s Outreach Nurse at Haven House, said:

We are so proud of Adam, Jessica and Antony for talking candidly about the impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the difference our Teenage Cancer Group has made to them. We hope this film will raise awareness of the support needed for young people with cancer in our area.

Watch and share our film about our Teenage Cancer Group.

For more information please contact:

Specialist Children’s Outreach Nurse
020 8506 5521 or 07702 866821