CancerCare is proud that 2025 is our 20th year of providing specialist support to children and young people affected by cancer and bereavement across North Lancashire and South Cumbria.

While we hope no child or young person is affected by such difficult experiences, our doors are always open for those who need support.

Since 2004, our Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS) have been a key part of CancerCare. Children can access one-to-one counselling if they have been impacted by a cancer diagnosis or a bereavement of any kind.

In 2024, we saw 230 children and young people access our services – a number that reflects both the continued need and the trust our local communities place in us.

Our CYPS offers a range of tailored support and our trained therapists help children explore and understand their thoughts and feelings in a safe and age-appropriate way.

Many of the young people we work with benefit from creative therapies such as art, crafts and drama, which allow them to express themselves in a way that feels natural and comfortable to them.

Since summer 2018, we have also been running Re-Fresh, a peer support group for young people aged 12 to 17. Held sporadically in Lancaster, Kendal, and Barrow, Re-Fresh offers a relaxed and friendly space for young people to meet others who may be going through similar experiences, talk, take part in activities and spend time together in a supportive environment.

As we reach this 20-year milestone, we remain committed to ensuring that every child and young person in our region has access to the support they need.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported our CYPS work over the years, from families and schools to fundraisers and donors. Your support makes it possible for us to continue offering this vital service to local children and young people.