Providing Practical and Emotional Support to Children, Teenagers and Young Adults

Every week in Northern Ireland, another three children, teenagers or young adults are diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis is scary for anyone, let alone a child or young person and there will be many questions to answer. You will probably be angry, confused and totally shocked; not only about the cancer itself, but also about the changes that are about to happen to you and your family as a result of your illness.

Youth Programme

At Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children, we understand all of these fears and anxieties, and we are here to help. Whether you are a child, teenager or young adult living with cancer aged between 8 and 24, NICFC’s Youth Team will support you and your family. We will listen to your needs and offer practical and emotional support through our caring and experienced Youth and Community Workers. We also support brothers and sisters through our Sibling Programme, as well as children whose parent or guardian has cancer in our Young Shoulders Programme.

We provide one-to-one and group support at home and in the local community to build confidence and help you develop ways of coping. Visits can be as simple as a chat over coffee, a trip to the cinema or a fun group activity in your local area. We’re also there for children and young people on the haematology ward of the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, helping to keep them entertained, supported and involved.

A fun and supportive residential programme operates throughout the year packed full of group activities, trips and weekends at Narnia. Residential trips allow young people to mix with others in a similar situation and support each other while making friends and sharing experiences. For more information on the Youth Programme activities and events click here

How to Join the Youth Programme

Referrals can be made by health professionals, schools and other agencies. Alternatively, a parent, guardian or young person themselves can contact NICFC directly on 028 90730686 or by emailing sonia@nicfc.com.