Young cancer patients have still been able to keep in touch with others during the pandemic despite residential stays being on hold.

Thanks to a donation of £20,000 from Talbot Village Trust, Youth Cancer Trust has been able to provide online weekly group therapy sessions and activity packs. The digital services have enabled young people with cancer to socialise and share their own experiences, helping to reduce a sense of isolation.

Brenda Clark, founder of Youth Cancer Trust, said: “We are so very grateful for the grant from Talbot Village Trust, which has enabled us to continue to help young people with cancer remotely during such challenging times. The programme has proven to be a huge success, and I want to thank the trustees for recognising our charity and helping to improve the quality of life for so many young people.”

Youth Cancer Trust helps people aged 14-30 across the UK and Ireland, offering free activity-based residential holidays at its house in Bournemouth. Since the start of the pandemic, holidays have been put on hold to protect the highly vulnerable individuals they support.

Youth Cancer Trust’s weekly group sessions are hosted with trained therapeutic counsellors, for those who need additional support. The sessions cover weekly topics for the group to discuss, to encourage healthy conversation about cancer and the difficult experiences they may face in their day-to-day lives.

Due to the success of their online support project, Youth Cancer Trust has now changed their charity objectives moving forward to continue providing online support post-pandemic. Previously, all services were provided in person through their residential holidays.

Nicholas Ashley-Cooper, chairman of Talbot Village Trust, said: “Youth Cancer Trust has adapted seamlessly to their new online support system and we are delighted that this addition to their services will continue post-pandemic. The difference this has made is immeasurable and we are so pleased to be able to play such a crucial part in changing so many young lives for the better.”

To apply for funding from the Talbot Village trust, visit www.talbotvillagetrust.org to submit an online application.

The Trust meets biannually and is accepting applications for funding from both previous and new applicants in the area before the trustees meet in spring 2022.