Teenage and young adult psychology support
Teenage Psychology Support Service
The York Against Cancer-funded Teenage and Young Adult Psychology Support Service offers confidential, friendly and professional psychological support to young people. The service is led by Dr Rebecca Donaldson and Dr Karen Shimmon, both registered Clinical Psychologists with extensive experience of working both independently and in the NHS to support young people and their families affected by cancer.
Who is the service for?
This service supports young people (aged 12 years old up to 25 years old) with the emotional and psychological impacts of their family member’s cancer. The type of help that can be offered includes to:
Better understand what is happening to you and your family, and the impacts of your family member’s cancer diagnosis
Discover ways to express and make sense of your thoughts, feelings and reactions in a safe, non-judgemental way
Develop effective coping strategies to build emotional resilience to manage under stressful circumstances
Find ways to feel more prepared and supported with your own plans and tasks for school/college/friendships/ hobbies
Get access to support in a confidential and supportive place where you can talk freely about your concerns
How can you access the service?
Families can directly self-refer their young family member into the York Against Cancer Teenage and Young Adult Psychology Service. Young people aged 16 up to 25 can refer themselves independently, if preferred.
The phone and email contact details for the service can be requested from any healthcare professional caring for the family member at the York Cancer Care Centre (e.g. their Doctor or Clinical Nurse specialist). Alternatively, enquiries can be made by phoning the York Against Cancer main office. Leaflets for the service are also available on request.
Appointments are currently offered in the centre of Selby, South of York, easily accessible by road, bus and rail services . Telephone and online appointments are also possible.
Common cancers in teenagers and young adults
A cancer diagnosis is frightening and life-changing no matter how old we are, but for young people, it can be even more concerning. Though many cancers affect those later on in life, more common cancers affecting teenagers include:
1. Bone cancers
2. Lymphoma
3. Testicular cancer
4. Thyroid cancer.
We also understand the incredible toll that looking after a loved one can take on young people. That’s why we offer counselling services specifically for teenagers and young adults.
Getting help
The dedicated Cancer Psychology Service for adults and children can be accessed at York and Scarborough Hospitals.
However, if you want access to support for someone between the ages of 13 and 21, please contact York Against Cancer on 01904 764466.
Alternatively, you can find out more by speaking to your local healthcare team or the cancer care centre on 01904 721166.
Raising awareness
In addition to offering teenagers psychological support, we also work extensively with local schools to raise awareness. We distribute leaflets from organisations such as Macmillan to help children whose parents are undergoing cancer treatment.
This covers topics such as being a carer, finding support, money, work and relationships, and managing bereavement.
We can recommend the following resources:
Macmillan
This leaflet guides adults on how to talk to family members when a loved one has cancer.
Riprap
Riprap is an online resource for children who need extra support, with real life stories from carers.
Relateen
Relateen is a counselling service for young people affected by cancer and other family issues.
Young People’s Services @ 30 Clarence Street
This is a York City Council-run counselling service for 16 to 25-year-olds.
YorOK
YorOK is a York City Council scheme offering help for parents, including parenting courses to help deal with behavioural and emotional issues related to childhood illnesses.
Keeping health in check
We’re also keen to teach young people the benefits of keeping their health in check. For example, HPV vaccinations are now available for young women, and may dramatically decrease their chances of getting cervical cancer later in life.
Similarly, we encourage both young men and women to give themselves regular self-checks:
- Breast checks – CoppaFeel
- Testicular checks – OddBalls Foundation
If you’d like any more information on teenage psychological support, please contact us.
Need to contact us?
Call us on 01904 764 466 or email office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk and one of our friendly team will be happy to help.
