FAQ's
Have a question about the support available to your child - and the rest of the family, too?
We appreciate you may have questions about the support we provide - for both your child and you as a parent.
Here you'll find answers to some of the most common questions parents ask about registering with Teens Unite and the support available to your family.
If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for or would like to talk things through, we’re always here to help - please feel free to get in touch anytime!
T: 07715 562 709
Does it matter how long it’s been since my child was diagnosed with cancer?
Not at all! As long as your child is aged 13-24 and living in the UK, they’re welcome to access our support - no matter how much time has passed since their diagnosis.
Whether they’re currently undergoing treatment or navigating life after a childhood diagnosis, our support is here for them.
Does my child need to be referred by a social worker or medical team?
No referral is needed! Your child can register themselves, or you, their social worker, or their medical team can assist with the process if needed.
Signing up is quick and simple -
just click here to get started.
Does my child need permission from their medical team before attending the activities?
There's no need to obtain permission from your child's medical team prior to attending our activities, but they do need to feel well enough to come along. If they don't feel quite ready for our in-person events just yet, there's plenty of
digital activities for them to get involved with!
All we ask is that they are able to self-medicate or brings a parent or carer who usually helps them with this.
Are the activities fully accessible?
Every effort is always made to ensure our activities and residential stays are as inclusive and accessible as possible. If would like to discuss any specific concerns or requirements for your child, please reach out to a member of our team.
E: teens@teensunite.org
T: 07715 562 709
My child requires the support of myself or a carer - how does this work at your activities and stays?
You or your child's carer are welcome to attend our activities and residential stays where required. We'll just need to be made aware in advance, so we can account for this in our numbers.
Is there a cost attached to your support?
No! It’s all on us. Our support is free of charge - you won’t have to pay for our activities, stays, programmes or events.
What happens about travel arrangements?
You and/or your child will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements to and from our activities and residential stays. If you need help with putting plans in place or would like to talk to us about subsidising travel costs, please get in touch.
T: 07715 562 709
My child's feeling nervous - can they bring someone with them?
We know your child may be feeling nervous ahead of their first activity with us, so they're more than welcome to bring you, a friend or family member with them so they feel more comfortable.
We’re also happy to meet them before arriving at the venue, so they're not turning up alone.
But trust us, everyone's in the same boat and they’ll make friends in no time!
Who will be there?
At least one staff member from the Teens Unite TYA team will always be at our activities and events, along with other members of staff from Teens Unite.
Staffing numbers will be adjusted in line with the size and requirements of the group - and all team members have received the necessary training, and first aid and safeguarding certifications.
You can expect there to be 10-15 teenagers and young adults at each activity. At our residential stays, there’s normally between 20 - 25 young people.
How many activities can my child sign up to?
There’s no limit! The more activities they attend, the more they will benefit from meeting others, and taking part in different experiences. If an activity is oversubscribed, the TYA team will create a waiting list.
Is there an expectation for my child to talk about their cancer?
Not at all - they'll never be put under any pressure. If they want to share their experiences with others, Teens Unite is a safe and supportive space for them to do so, but there will never be an expectation for them to talk about their cancer if they don't feel comfortable doing so. The focus is always on the activity we’re doing, rather than about cancer.
Is there support available for the rest of the family?
Yes! We offer support to parents and siblings, too. From special digital and in-person events throughout the year, to online forums where you can connect with others in a similar situation, we'll support you and your family every step of the way.
You can find out more about the family support available, here.
Does my child need to be registered with Teens Unite before I can access the parent support available?
Not at all! While we’d love for your child to register with Teens Unite so we can support them through their cancer journey, we understand how vital it is for you to have the support you need as a parent, too.
If your child isn’t registered yet, they can do so easily by signing up here.
Keep up to date!
Sign up to our monthly digital newsletter for parents, so we can keep you up to date on our latest news, events and the support available for you and your family.
That is what’s so different and wonderful about Teens Unite, you don’t only meet people, you create friendships that last. That girl with the brain tumour ends up becoming your new best friend.
Azreen, diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, aged 19