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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

PIP is essential for young people with cancer, both those facing it now and everyone who will face it in the future. The upcoming PIP changes still risk those in the future not receiving this vital support. We cannot let that happen – email your MP now: ow.ly/xxlA50Whmo3

A quote card with a photo of Helen Gravestock, Director of Policy, Communications and Voice. The quote says: "Whilst the UK Government's change in approach to keep PIP in place for those currently claiming is welcomed for young people facing cancer now, the changes still risk young people diagnosed with cancer in the future not receiving this vital financial support. A two-tier benefits system is not right or fair and we cannot let this happen. No young person chooses to get cancer, and be met with the spiralling unavoidable costs that it brings. We encourage everyone to contact their MP and ask them to vote against the changes to PIP to protect young people with cancer."

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Melanoma Focus @melanomafocus.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

Today we've joined charities supporting people living with cancer across the UK calling on Liz Kendall MP Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for a rethink on the UK Government’s upcoming changes to PIP. Read more 👉 buff.ly/xWye1eV #PIP #melanoma @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

Get involved with Team Young Lives 📢 We have lots of short and flexible micro-volunteering opportunities you can sign-up for in 2025/26, like bucket collections, fundraising research, and marathon cheer squads. Find out more: ow.ly/mRVo50W4Bte

Two women giving each other a side hug. They both have brown hair and are wearing Young Lives vs Cancer t-shirts that read, 'Volunteer'. They're smiling at the camera.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

We were pleased to meet with @stevempyemm.bsky.social today to talk about the importance of the National Cancer Plan for England addressing all the needs of children and young people with cancer - including support for psychosocial needs and post-treatment. Thank you Steve.

Three people stand in a row looking at the camera. In the centre is MP Steve Yemm who is holding a black and pink booklet that says "Cancer Costs". All three are wearing smart clothes and looking at the camera

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

Thank you @clivejonesmp.bsky.social for working with charities like us to call for a robust Cancer Plan for England. We're pleased to be working through the Children and Young People's Cancer Taskforce and hope the Plan will deliver on the areas we've highlighted bit.ly/43QoqTF

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

“As I distanced myself from the survivor label, I distanced myself from my cancer in its entirety." Kate, 24, reflects on having leukaemia aged nine and how it’s led her to where she is today - about to start work as a junior doctor. Read Kate’s blog: ow.ly/bLzF50W0CaL

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My experience going from ‘cancer kid’ to doctor

Kate reflects on her experience of having leukaemia aged nine and how it’s led her to where she is today - starting work as a junior doctor.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 14/05/2025

Yesterday we met with DWP Minister Timms to discuss welfare benefits for the families we support. Support like PIP and DLA is vital for children and young people with cancer and their families and we’re committed to raising their voices so they get all the support they need, when they need it.

Sonia and Rachel from Young Lives vs Cancer take a selfie in front of a sign that says 'Department for Work and Pensions'. It is a sunny day.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

"There are no words to describe how you feel; your world turns upside down." Nancy was diagnosed with brain cancer at only one year old. Her mum Gemma shares their story in this BBC News article: bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Mum shares two year-old daughter's cancer story for TV advert

Nancy was diagnosed with ependymoma, a form of brain cancer, at only a year old in 2023.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

📢 Still time to have your say! Filling in the Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey will help the NHS and cancer charities improve services for children and young people with cancer. Find out more: www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk

Image shows text and an image of a young cancer patient. Text reads: Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey. If you receive a survey in the post, have you say. Your feedback will help the NHS to improve cancer services for children and young people. For more information visit: https://www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk/

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Last chance: Have your say on the Cancer Plan for England before 23:59 tonight. We’ve written a handy guide to help you 👉 bit.ly/3REVyaa

A message from the Young Lives vs Cancer Voice Board. The backgroud is black and on the right is a polaroid picture of 11 members of the voice board standing in a line and looking at the camera. White text says: The UK Government are listening, so let's not miss our chance. We need as many young people, families and those that support us as possible to raise their voices too. Because it's vital that now is the time that we get it right for all children and young people with cancer, and their families. So please, use your voice and respond to the consultation.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

THEY DID IT. A huge congratulations to our London Marathon runners for crossing the finish line yesterday. We’re so proud of Team Young Lives for coming together to support children and young people with cancer. 👏

A woman is running the London Marathon wearing a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. She's holding her fist up in the air and is smiling.

A man is running the London Marathon in a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. He's holding his left fist up. Behind them there are other people running.

A woman is running the London Marathon in a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. She's holding both arms up and is looking straight ahead, smiling.

Three people are posing together in a park. They're all wearing Young Lives vs Cancer running vests and are smiling.

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JoeBurnsMCR @joeburnsmcr.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

One of the most impressive things about some London Marathon runners is, after putting themselves through it all, they then (somehow) go & do it all again. On which, here's Luke, who is running his 10th (!) marathon today for @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social! www.huntspost.co.uk/news/2511108...

huntspost.co.uk

Huntingdon man set to run his tenth London Marathon

Huntingdon man set to run his tenth London Marathon to raise money for children and young people with cancer.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

We’re ready to cheer on Team Young Lives at the #LondonMarathon. Our runners need all the encouragement they can get to complete this challenge. Come join us if you spot one of our cheer points, bring your loudest cheers, and help us celebrate our incredible runners. 🎉

Two Young Lives vs Cancer volunteers are at one of our London Marathon cheer points. They're wearing branded hoodies and vests, and are smiling. Behind them there is a Young Lives vs Cancer banner, and the road.

Two Young Lives vs Cancer volunteers at the London Marathon. They're standing on the London Bridge and there's a branded banner behind them.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Alex, Jasper, Ben & Jim will be running the London Marathon in a Scooby Doo mystery machine costume, in support of Young Lives vs Cancer. Watch their Sky News interview: youtube.com/watch?v=QUnk... They’re attempting to break the world record for the fastest marathon in a four-person costume. 👏

youtube.com

Runners attempting world record in Scooby-Doo's mystery machine

YouTube video by Sky News

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JoeBurnsMCR @joeburnsmcr.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Been at the London Marathon running show today seeing our amazing @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social runners, and also the London Marathon LEGEND that is Yimmy! (If you've run the marathon, there's a decent chance you know the name)

An expo board featuring facts about Young Lives Vs Cancer, the names of all our runners this year, and some Polaroids of runners stuck to the wall

A door covered in Polaroid photos of Young Lives Vs Cancer runners

The legend that is David Yin (Yimmy) chatting with some runners and showing off his many, many marathon medals

The queue forms around the Young Lives Vs Cancer stand for David Yim (Yimmy) as he arrived

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

📢 Have your say! If you received the Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey in the post recently, having your say could help the NHS and cancer charities improve services for children and young people with cancer. For more information please visit: www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk

Alt text: Image shows text and an image of a young cancer patient. Text reads: Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey. If you receive a survey in the post, have you say. Your feedback will help the NHS to improve cancer services for children and young people. For more information visit: https://www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk/

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Rachel Kirby-Rider @rachelkr.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

Are you a senior Children’s or TYA cancer nurse with significant experience leading services at PTC, Shared Care, Community, Cancer Network or Research setting? @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social is looking for a new Trustee with your expertise. www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/g...

younglivesvscancer.org.uk

Join our Team Young Lives Board of Trustees

As a Trustee you will play a vital role in helping Young Lives vs Cancer to thrive so that failies do not face cancer alone.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

"Cancer diagnosis at 19 left me feeling isolated." Jake shares his experience of being diagnosed with brain cancer while at university this Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #TYACAM

bbc.co.uk

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

The cancer impacts wheel is always spinning for children and young people with cancer and there is often no predicting where it will land. The Cancer Plan for England is an opportunity to address these impacts. Fill in the cancer plan consultation here: bit.ly/3RUTVFo

A video of a pink and white spinning wheel, like you might see at a fairground. But this one shows some of the non-medical impacts of cancer on children and young people. The background is black and white text at the top says 'The Cancer Impacts Wheel'. Underneath is the wheel which has 12 impact or effects of cancer. They are: Travel costs, mental health, late diagnosis, missing education, financial worries, isolation, multiple GP visits, long term effects, debt, sibling impact, anxiety and benefits delays. The wheel is rotating and when the video is paused, it stops on a random effect.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Did you or your child receive the Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey in the post recently? Your feedback could help the NHS and cancer charities improve services for children and young people with cancer. For more information please visit: www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

We know the best people to tell us what having cancer as a child or young person is like, and how to change the system for the better, are the people who’ve experienced it. If you’re aged 16+ with lived experience of childhood cancer, join our Voice Hub: ow.ly/oNVq50VBrJ8

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

"Writing this poem helped me find some light in the chaos." Aagoon wrote Tumour Humour, a poem about being diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma when she was 19. Read it in full here: ow.ly/Yvet50VAHZC #TYACAM #WorldArtDay

White text on a black background. Title reads: Tumour Humour
Text from Aagoon's poem reads:
One morning, I’m rushing, ready to face
Another long day, another rat race.
Late to my calculus class at nine,
I pull back my hair and a lump I find.
I touch it and frown, unsure of its might,
Day after day, it stays there in sight.
Small and unbothered, it sits like a chum,
Mr. Lump, my companion, a new rule of thumb.
Aagoon, 21.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

“I felt as though I was building momentum in this new life and then I had to put that all on pause.” Josh, 24, shares his experience of cancer as part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. Read more 👉 ow.ly/f1f250Vy0L6 #TYACAM

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Josh’s story: I was starting a new chapter of my life, then I found out I had cancer

Josh was diagnosed with cancer at just 24 years old. Read his story here as part of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

Emma Wood, Voice Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer talks about how we bring young people with lived experience of cancer and their families into our work and decision-making, and how you can get involved. Read more: ow.ly/oTmu50VwjQk

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What is 'Voice' at Young Lives vs Cancer?

Emma Wood, Voice Manager talks about the crucial work of bringing young people with lived experience into our work.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Our friends at It's Never You are campaigning for better financial support for parents of seriously ill children. Sign their petition today to show your support for #HughsLaw 👉 bit.ly/3QZmbXb

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

This April, we're joining other cancer charities to raise awareness of the unique set of challenges facing young people with cancer during Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. Help us amplify their voices this #TYACAM. Read more 👉 ow.ly/Q5SQ50Vs5MS

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

We're redesigning the top navigation of our website to make sure that everyone who visits it can find the information they need with ease. Want to get involved by testing our prototype and sharing your thoughts? Email digital.change@younglivesvscancer.org.uk and we'll be in touch.

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Rosanna Thomasoo (she/ her) @rthomasoo.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

*NEW DATE ADDED - 22nd April* @cclguk.bsky.social, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social need your expertise! Join our workshops to explore the system around children and young people with cancer, and their families 👇 Together, we have the power to improve the system 👊

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

Do you have lived experience of cancer? We’re created a short survey to find out more about how you use social media, so that we can share relevant content on the channels that work for you. Answer our short survey. It will only take 3 minutes: ow.ly/EbAy50VneqT

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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Another missed opportunity to support the needs of young cancer patients & their families Read our response to today’s Spring Statement below👇🏽 @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social will continue to amplify voices of children & young people with cancer until a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund is here

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Today's Spring Statement was a chance for UK Government to support children and young people with cancer with the extra costs that come with a diagnosis. Our CEO @rachelkirby.bsky.social shares her reflections on how the statement missed the mark for the families we support. 👉 bit.ly/4hP8PYr

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

It’s #SpringStatement time. We're watching The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, share the UK Government Spring Statement and are listening for commitments to support children and young people with cancer and their families, like a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund.

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Wales Cancer Alliance @walescanceralliance.org · 26/03/2025

Busy morning... Our Chair, @lowrigriffiths.bsky.social @tenovuscancercare.bsky.social; Simon @cancerresearchuk.org and Hannah, plus @lauren-marks.bsky.social @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social giving evidence to the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee @senedd.wales @senedd.cymru.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

What an amazing two days we’ve had at #CCLG2025! A huge thank you to everyone who has spoken to us about our work, working together, and the psychosocial needs of children and young people with cancer.

Our Young Lives vs Cancer stand at the conference. There is a table with tote bags, storybooks and other goods, and there are two staff members standing behind it, smiling. Behind them there are posters with information about Young Lives vs Cancer's mission.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Our reminder to Rachel Reeves ahead of the UK Government #SpringStatement tomorrow 👇 71% of children and young people with cancer struggle with the cost of travelling to treatment, and one in 10 miss or delay treatment because they can't afford to get there.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

We’re excited to present our sector research at #CCLG2025. Starting at 1.15pm in hall 8, we’ll be sharing our North Star Vision and Collective Impact Initiative, followed by our oral abstract exploring the long term wellbeing of young cancer survivors at 1.45pm 👇

A presentation cover slide with a lilac background. Text says Exploring the long-term wellbeing of young cancer survivors. Rich Hughes - Policy, Evidence & Research Manager, Young Lives vs Cancer. March 2025.

A presentation cover slide with a yellow background. Text says 'North star vision and collective impact initiative. CCLG conference 2025 lunch time showcase. Roseanna Thomasoo - Associate Director: Leaning & Systemic Design, Young Lives vs Cancer. Rich Hughes - Policy, Evidence & Research Manager, Young Lives vs Cancer

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AYPH @ayph.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

New research published by @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social looks at the experiences of children and young people with cancer and their families as they navigate the process of claiming disability benefits following their diagnosis. www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/c...

younglivesvscancer.org.uk

The cost of waiting

Children and young people with cancer and their families need a better benefits system

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

It’s day two of #CCLG2025! We were blown away by how many people stopped to see us yesterday. Thank you to everyone who chatted about the psychosocial challenges faced by the families we support. If you’re here and haven’t had chance to see us yet, we’re at stand 12 👋

A section of our conference stand. A white background with the title: Cancer is more than medical: what psychosocial challenges are children and young people with cancer facing? Write your thoughts below.

Cancer professionals have written their answers in different coloured pens. Examples include anxiety, being behind at school, fitting in, additional costs, cost of living, feeling different to friends/peers and vulnerability

Our stand at CCLG conference. The background is mainly plum coloured with orange, blue and green accents. There is a white rectangle with handwriting on one of the panels. At the front is a table with a Young Lives vs Cancer table cloth. Sonia, a woman, is sat at the table smiling at the camera. On the table are leaflets and books.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

We’re here at #CCLG2025 conference and looking forward to sharing our work and discussing important topics with professionals working in children and young people’s cancer.

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soniamalik.bsky.social @soniamalik.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Looking forward to the @cclguk.bsky.social conference with team @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social come and find us on our stand if you’re there!

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

📢 Join us! Our research team is hosting a webinar this Friday 28 March sharing our latest research on how the benefits system works for children and young people with cancer and their families. Register now: ow.ly/xZwo50VkT0j

Graphic with text reads: The Cost of Waiting. Image on the right shows graphic image of a clock and a pound sign

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

If you’ve been affected by sarcoma, please take @sarcomauk.bsky.social's National Sarcoma Survey. The findings will help them better understand the challenges young people and families face, so they can push for better care, support, and treatments. Take the survey: www.myonlinesurvey.co.uk/scuk25/

A photo of a man and a child taking an online survey together, using a tablet. There is graphic text that reads: 'National Sarcoma Survey 2025'.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

We’re also sad to hear of Eddie O’Gorman’s passing. He and his wife Marion founded Children with Cancer UK and contributed so much to make sure children and young people with cancer get the support they need. Read our statement: ow.ly/SkM150Vlkkg

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

We’re sad to hear the news about Eddie Jordan. Eddie was an incredible supporter of Young Lives vs Cancer. He raised a huge amount for us by organising many fundraising days, and used his platform to help young people we support get their voices heard. We'll forever be thankful for his support.

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

📢 Join us! Our research team is hosting a webinar on Friday 28 March sharing our latest research on how the benefits system works for children and young people with cancer and their families. Register now: ow.ly/xZwo50VkT0j

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Helen Gravestock @helengravestock.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

“Today was an opportunity to truly transform the welfare benefits system so it works for children and young people with cancer and their families. We’re concerned UK Government’s reforms could make it even more difficult for young people with cancer to access the crucial financial support they need”

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Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

UK Government has announced reforms to the welfare and benefits system, including changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Our Director of Policy, @helengravestock.bsky.social responds, sharing what these reforms might mean for the families we support. bit.ly/41x41kp

A quote from Helen Gravestock, Director of Policy at Young Lives vs Cancer. The quote says "We’re concerned UK Government’s reforms to the welfare and benefits system could make it even more difficult for young people with cancer to access the crucial financial support they need."

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