Discover You

Home Past Upcoming Events Discover You

Discover You (TEENS EVENT)

Digital Session

"Discover You has made me think more positively and if something negative happens, I can turn it around. I feel more confident in my abilities and more independent too." Freya

 

Despite COVID-19 restrictions still in place, we were determined to make our Discover You event happen. So, for 2021, we went digital!

Over 50 young people came together for the motivational conference – it was an opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, take part in workshops and taster sessions and spend time with others of a similar age, fighting similar battles.

As a young person facing cancer, it can feel like there's so much you can't do, but Discover You was about 'discovering' what you can do. 

Cancer can turn your whole life upside down and often you’re left with little direction of the next steps to take. Discover You helps  to map out the path ahead, with a route to achieving your goals and aspirations, whatever they may be, no matter how big or small they may feel. For some, the day was about being signposted to opportunities relating to education or early employment, for others it was about learning to live more positively with their diagnosis.

The day started with an energetic beatboxing session from MC Zani, who shared some tricks of the trade with us and had us all saying 'Boots and Cats' in no time. It was a chance to be creative and express ourselves, without any questions or judgement.

The teens then had a choice of three breakout sessions to attend: an all-abilities fitness session with FLX Fitness, a yoga and mindfulness workshop with Tara Trautman or a session on Self Care.

After a break for lunch, we met three young people supported by Teens Unite – they bravely shared their stories of derailment, disappointment, and determination and how they found strength and built resilience to live happy and fulfilled lives and chase their dream careers in the NHS.

Another series of breakout sessions followed; there was a workshop on fashion design with FVCK Cancer, a session on web and app design with The Life Group, Dr Anisha (a cancer survivor herself) spoke about returning from cancer and The Comeback Club delivered a talk on ‘Discovering Your Strengths’. 

The day ended in the most inspirational of ways as we were joined by international motivational speaker, former Teens Unite Trustee, and teenage cancer survivor, Chris Lambert-Gorwyn.  Chris’s high energy session told how he sees himself as the lucky one having had cancer as a teenager; how it has taught him to take the positives from all situations and to celebrate every success; no matter how small.

The generous funding we received from The Hilton Foundation, enabled us to run such a beneficial event and we are incredibly grateful for their support. 

Benefits
•    Encouraging young people to think positively about life with and beyond their illness 
•    Setting realistic goals to increase motivation 
•    Developing skills such as team work, public speaking and active listening 
•    Gaining an insight into a diverse range of businesses and experiencing the working world 
•    Rebuilding confidence and motivation to return to education or employment and plan for a future beyond cancer
•    Identifying and expressing feelings through creativity; improving physical, mental and emotional well-being
•    Reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness 
•    Providing a sense of achievement, improving self-confidence & self-esteem


“Thank you so much for an amazing day, there isn't a lot to look forward to at the moment but ‘Discover You’ has been my highlight of this lockdown. The gift boxes were great and I really appreciate everything, especially the puzzle book. I love doing puzzles and find it a great way to wind down and relax.”

“Really enjoyed the meditation session, obviously ‘Discover You’ was more difficult online with interaction between teens limited but it was as good as it could get! The packages sent make it a lot more thoughtful and personal as well, feeling like you are part of the Teens Unite family.”

“I feel that ‘Discover You’ has made me think more positively and if something negative happens, I turn it around to make it a positive. I have also been a lot more confident in my abilities and more independent. All together I am a lot happier.”

 

 

Keep up to date

 

By providing your email address, you'll be kept up to date with our latest news and events. You can opt out at any time, simply email info@teensunite.org

Name*