WHERE NEW FRIENDSHIPS AND EXPERIENCES TURN DARKNESS INTO LIGHT

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1 WHERE NEW FRIENDSHIPS AND EXPERIENCES TURN DARKNESS INTO LIGHT Uniting young people and rebuilding lives following a cancer diagnosis 1

2 Once you ve finished treatment, all you want is to become normal again and you don t know how to do that. With the support of Teens Unite, I feel I can apply for jobs and do normal things that I wouldn t have done a year ago. Azreen Teen, diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma Many people believe that once the cancer treatment is over then your life returns back to normal. This is far from the case. I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression post-chemo and two years on, it still remains. People need to know it s okay not to feel like the lucky one for surviving. Lucy Teen, diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and Thyroid Cancer contents 3. A message from our CEO 4. Who we support 5. Why we offer support 6. How we help 8. Our vision 9. Why now and why Hertfordshire? 10. The House of Teens Unite 14. Be part of our future 2

3 a message from our CEO and Founder It fills me with such excitement to share our vision of establishing The House of Teens Unite. This will be the first, UK mainland retreat for year olds who are battling with the long-term effects of a cancer diagnosis. I founded Teens Unite in 2007, determined to provide the ongoing emotional, social and physical support a young person needs throughout their cancer journey. This level of support can only be found with Teens Unite; it is not provided by doctors, nurses or other charities, yet it is an essential part of restoring a young person s overall wellbeing, helping them to live a life outside of cancer and overcome all aspects of their diagnosis. We ve come so far, but this is just the beginning. There are 2,405 new cases of cancer in teenagers and young adults each year in the UK and we have the potential to ensure that no young person faces their cancer journey alone. However, we need The House of Teens Unite to make this happen. With your support, we aim to create a tranquil home with a heart, where a young person diagnosed with cancer can escape the daily stresses and strains that come with the c word, where they can spend time meeting and interacting with others their age in a similar situation and gain strength from each other. When the world feels a dark and lonely place, The House of Teens Unite will be a place of fun and inspiration. It will be a retreat where they can stay, share their hopes, fears and experiences, learn new skills, take part in activities and remember who they are as a person, not just a cancer patient. Can you help to make this happen? Debbie Pezzani CEO and Founder, Teens Unite It s a great environment just for teens, where being a teenager comes before cancer. You can just carry on as if it s not really there, but if you want to talk about it, it s so easy. Celina Teen, diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia 3

4 who we support Today, seven teenagers and young adults in the UK will hear the words you have cancer. Seven more will hear them tomorrow and seven more the day after that. We unite young people aged from across the UK and rebuild their lives following a cancer diagnosis. We are the only charity in the UK to provide support from diagnosis, through treatment, recovery and into remission. We understand that cancer doesn t stop when treatment stops; the effects are often life-changing. Many of the young people we support feel that being told they are medically cancer free and being discharged from the care of doctors and nurses, is often as daunting as the diagnosis itself. RESEARCH SHOWS: TODAY, SEVEN TEENAGERS WILL BE TOLD THEY HAVE CANCER 28% INCREASE IN THE INCIDENCE RATE OF CANCER IN TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS SINCE THE 1990S 84% OF TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS SURVIVE THEIR DIAGNOSIS FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS 60% OF SURVIVORS HAVE ONGOING HEALTH RELATED PROBLEMS 74% ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE IMPACT CANCER WILL HAVE ON THEIR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT 4

5 why we offer support There is an expectation for these young people to simply return to life before cancer. Teens Unite helps to put these stepping stones in place and provides a sense of togetherness, so that young people can start to naturally move forward with the help of others their age who understand what they are going through. AS A RESULT OF CANCER TREATMENT IN YOUNG PEOPLE: 95% EXPERIENCE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THEIR PHYSICAL ABILITY 90% 83% EXPERIENCE ANXIETY EXPERIENCE LONELINESS 70% EXPERIENCE DEPRESSION one-in-five FAMILIES SAY THAT ISOLATION HAS LED TO THE BREAKUP OF FAMILY LIFE 87% OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE LOST CONTACT WITH THEIR PEERS Statistical sources Bevan Foundation Report, Cancer Research UK, Teens Unite surveys 5

6 how we help and the difference it makes The focus of our work is to unite young people following a cancer diagnosis through group workshops and activity stays, enabling them to find strength from each other. The purpose of these workshops is to encourage peer to peer interaction and support, introduce friendships, enhance confidence and self-esteem, set new challenges and learn new skills. Teens Unite is unique. We don t have a one wish approach. Instead, our focus is to provide ongoing support throughout the long road to recovery by encouraging the young people to attend our workshops and activity stays as often as they feel beneficial. FOLLOWING OUR WORKSHOPS: 90% said the workshops made a positive difference to their outlook on life 78% leave feeling more positive 75% left Teens Unite s Discover You workshop feeling motivated for the future 6

7 FOLLOWING OUR ACTIVITY STAYS: 90% % of the young people e attending our activity ty stay, said the week exceeded their expectations 80% would leave looking forward to the future 100% recommend registering with Teens Unite to others in a similar situation Our activity stays unite a group of young people who have been diagnosed with cancer for an unforgettable, action-packed week. The residential stay, away from home, allows the young people to experience independent living and spend valuable time with others their age in a similar situation. Various activities are held each day, which challenge the young people socially, emotionally and physically. The support we provide has been advocated by healthcare professionals, with Professor Ghulan Mufti, Head of Haemato-oncology, Kings College Hospital stating: There are millions of pounds being spent on curing young people, but what about their future after fi ghting and surviving such an illness. Spending time with other teens facing the same challenges gives them back some confi dence and self-esteem to push forward for their future. Without Teens Unite, young people would continue to face cancer alone. We recognise the effects of cancer are experienced by the whole family, not just the person diagnosed. Our support is extended to parents and siblings by providing opportunities where they can also benefi t from spending time with others in their situation. Julia, Mum of Sadie, who sadly lost her battle with Ovarian cancer, said: You gave Sadie the confi dence to live with cancer and your capability for caring is immeasurable. Since Sadie passed away, you have been there for me too, you have held my hand and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Since the activity stay, I have become a different person, I ve gained so much confidence and you ve helped me get my life back on track. Chloe Teen, diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma 7

8 Concept of The House of Teens Unite created by Clear Architects our vision It has always been our vision to open the first, UK mainland retreat for year olds who have been diagnosed with cancer. Our vision for The House of Teens Unite will enable the young people to overcome the hold cancer has on their life; emotionally, socially and physically. The House of Teens Unite will be a home with a heart, with nine bedrooms for the young people to stay and spend time with others their age in a similar situation. They will be able to socialise in the lounge, relax in the beauty and therapy room and take part in different workshops in our dedicated activity space. The sound of laughter and happiness will bring the house to life. Natural light will brighten every room and the layout will offer a sense of togetherness, yet plenty of space for personal reflection. 8

9 TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS LIVING WITH CANCER AND THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS IN THE UK: why now? In the last year, we have experienced a 15% increase in the number of young people registering with Teens Unite and our vision of opening The House of Teens Unite is a symbol of our growth. The support Teens Unite provides is so unique that the demand for our services is continuing to grow year on year. We currently run at least four workshops per month, alongside two activity stays and an annual Discover You event; a day shared by motivational speakers to encourage the young people we support to rebuild their lives and pursue their goals and aspirations. In the last 12 months, we have filled over 800 spaces across the activities provided. These opportunities were all oversubscribed. 13,886 ENGLAND Our dedicated home with a heart would enable us to run more workshops, more frequently and increase our reach, with more young people travelling from across the UK. Currently, our workshops and activity stays are hosted at external venues, which increases our costs. Furthermore, only those who can comfortably make a return journey in a day can attend and for many of the young people they either live too far away or don t have the strength to travel back and forth. why Hertfordshire? SCOTLAND 1,399 WALES Despite offering support on a national scale, Hertfordshire has always been the home of Teens Unite since we started 10 years ago. Residents and businesses support us and have cemented our position in the local community. 825 The Hertfordshire countryside offers peace and tranquillity. With the highest incidence rates of cancer in the UK occurring in inner city areas, an escape to a rural setting will provide a welcome break, with It was a relief the added benefit of easy access to talk to others my age routes via local transport and who understand what I m direct trains into London and going through. Teens Unite less than 45 minutes from a cancer excellence hospital. has made me believe cancer doesn t have to be a bad thing. Shannon Teen, diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma 9

10 The House of Teens Unite a warm welcome The retreat will be accessed via a glassfronted reception space, allowing us to give a warm Teens Unite welcome to all. ground floor plan reception hall: 361,900* TOILET accommodation TOILET The accommodation will comprise of nine, twin-bedded rooms, each with ensuite shower and toilet facilities. For some much-needed rest and relaxation, the young people will be able to watch TV, listen to music or have peace and quiet to read in a comfortable environment and create 1:1 friendships with their roommate. cost per bedroom: 135,713* LOUNGE STORE MEETING ROOM GAMES ROOM FREEZER DINING KITCHEN RELAXATION leisure ENTRANCE The House of Teens Unite will provide the young people with plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves and learn new skills, whilst also having some time to relax the body and mind. BREAK OUT SPACE OFFICE WORKSHOP games room: 230,712* lounge Total Internal Ground Floor m ft 2 Office + break out space + meeting room Tabled workshop Restaurant Cinema / Classroom Kitchen / Store room / Freezers / Laundry / Boiler room Lounge Games room Store A lounge area will be at the heart of the house, encouraging the young people to come together in a relaxed, informal environment to enjoy each other s company and find comfort in sharing experiences and knowing they are not alone. lounge: 230,712* 10

11 first floor plan relaxation The relaxation area will be a sanctuary to escape to and will house activities, which are proven to help people cope with anxiety and depression and enhance their overall wellbeing. relaxation/cinema area: 303,092* TERRACE workshop BEDROOMS BEAUTY ROOM BEDROOMS BEDROOMS Central to The House of Teens Unite will be group workshop space, where we will facilitate a range of different activities, such as art, where the young people will work alongside a professional artist to express their thoughts, anxieties and fears on canvas. CV writing workshops will help the young people put the first steps in place for finding their next career or an Apprentice Challenge will help them to learn key business skills. workshop facilities: 361,900* beauty and therapy room Total Internal First Floor m ft 2 8x Double / Twin bedrooms Staff living External terrace Beauty room Any short break should include a touch of pampering and for this, the young people will head to the beauty and therapy room, where workshops will be held with professional therapists and makeup artists, helping the young people to improve their confidence and self-esteem and identify how to care for their body during and after cancer treatment. beauty and therapy room: 189,998* 11

12 dining The kitchen will provide healthy, balanced meals to be enjoyed in the dining room, where the young people can come together over breakfast, lunch and dinner and have the opportunity to chat with each other, build friendships and share experiences. This area will be a flexible space, enabling us to adapt its use from sit down table service to a buffet arrangement, so we can not only cater for our guests, but hold fundraising events throughout the year. kitchen: 125,665* dining space: 316,663* outside Studies suggest a link between increased levels of Vitamin D and improved health, so the outside of The House of Teens Unite will be just as considered as the inside, encouraging the young people to venture outdoors to enjoy plenty of fresh air, play games with peers or simply put their feet up. landscaping and outdoor space: 100,000* The fundamentals utilities: 511,183* Teens Unite office facilities: 601,658* Total capital appeal: 4.6 million* Clear Architects have worked in conjunction with Teens Unite to evolve their brief and provide a concept that encapsulates the very essence of the charity and the needs of The House of Teens Unite. Clear Architects are proud to be involved and look forward to being able to create the reality with the rest of the team in the near future. Melanie Clear, Clear Architects *The total cost has been proportioned in ratio with the floor area of the essential elements within our desired new home. These cost proportions encompass all expenditure relating to land, design, build and fit out costs for The House of Teens Unite. I used to believe that having cancer meant nothing but negativity and a restricted quality of life. Teens Unite has supported me every step of the way through this rollercoaster journey. Leanne Teen, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia 12

13 After going to Teens Unite s cookery day I ve started to pursue cooking as a career. This has given me a new lease of life and something to aim for. Derry Teen, diagnosed with a brain tumour 13

14 help us turn darkness into light With your support we will be one step closer to building The House of Teens Unite and ensuring no young person faces the effects of cancer alone. We are looking for you to: Join the generous individuals, companies and trusts who already share our passion for making a difference, by helping raise the money we need to make this happen Raise awareness of our plans for The House of Teens Unite Provide ongoing support to help fund the properties annual running costs Provide introductions to corporate and charitable partnerships We invite willing sponsors to kindly pledge their support for The House of Teens Unite by visiting Alternatively, if you would like to discuss how you can help us achieve our vision, please contact Lesley Morris: E: lesley@teensunite.org T:

15 in the words of our supporters The passion and commitment that Teens Unite has for making a difference is truly inspiring. We re delighted to donate our time and financial resources to support this incredible cause and help to give these individuals and their families hope for the future. We re proud to be part of that story. Phil Keoghan CEO, Ricoh UK and Ireland I got to know Teens Unite after seeing a post on social media by Karen. As a mother of teenagers, Teens Unite felt like the perfect place for me to give back. This charity gives so much time, energy and love to what they do and make a huge impact on the lives of the teenagers and families they support. Being involved with Teens Unite has changed my mindset on a lot of things in my own home and work life, you can only be grateful for what you have. Paula Fry Supporter of Teens Unite We lead such busy lives that rarely do we consider others less fortunate than ourselves. We have a responsibility to give something positive back to society by helping others and who better to support than Teens Unite and the young people they are helping to overcome a cancer diagnosis. So rather than just sit there, do something physical for this wonderful charity. The feeling you get from doing something out of your comfort zone and completing it can be life changing. Stop thinking about it, test yourself for the benefit of these teenagers. Henry Smith CEO, Aitch Group We have been involved in many charities over the years but the biggest difference with Teens Unite is hearing teenagers talk about a life challenge at such a young age. It's a challenge in itself bringing up healthy teenagers and many of us can't imagine going through the cancer journey with them at such a vulnerable age, but supporting Teens Unite means we can make a difference! Michael Edwards Managing Partner, Inspire Group Investments Teens Unite empower and encourage young people to communicate how they are feeling. It is often easier for them to share their experiences with others who are on a similar journey. I have seen first-hand the positive impact being in each other s company has on these young people. I continue to be overwhelmed by the amazing work that Teens Unite do. David Lewis Managing Director, Sunseeker London 15

16 Thank you for helping to turn darkness into light Registered Charity Number: