shine cancer support
Shine is the only UK charity that support adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who
have experienced a cancer diagnosis. There is never a good time to have cancer,
but we know that younger adults face different issues than their older or
younger counterparts. Many of these are not dealt with by traditional cancer
support charities and services. Our vision, mission and strategy In January
2022, we finalised a new five-year strategy. We have updated our vision and
mission statements and articulated our values. We will use these to underpin
five strategic objectives that will guide Shine’s focus and attention between
2022 and 2027. Vision We want every adult in their 20s, 30s and 40s who is
diagnosed with cancer to know they’re not alone, and to have the support,
knowledge, and confidence to navigate whatever cancer throws their way. Mission
There’s never a good time for a cancer diagnosis, but in your 20s, 30s or 40s
there are particular challenges to navigate, like work, dating, finances and
more. At Shine, we’ve been there and we get it. We’re here to help you deal with
everything that your diagnosis brings, before, during and after treatment, and
to welcome you into our community. Our values Inclusive – Our services are open
to anyone in their 20s, 30s and 40s with a cancer diagnosis, no matter what type
or stage, when your diagnosis was, or what your background is. Approachable – We
want everyone in Shine’s community to feel welcomed and to feel able to get
involved, and we design all our services to be friendly, fun and down-to-earth.
Authentic – We’re patient-led and passionate, and we want everyone involved to
have a genuine and honest voice, with patients at the heart of our work.
Innovative – As a small charity, we’re adaptable and agile, and we are
responsive to needs as they change. We listen to what Shine’s community is
saying and strive to find practical solutions. Empowering – Our services aren’t
about us “doing” to or “for” you. We want to empower you to ask the right
questions, get the right information, take control, and make the best decisions
for yourself. Our strategic objectives Connect – build a nationwide community of
younger adults with cancer and the people around them, reducing isolation and
supporting their physical and mental well-being. Inform – ensure that younger
adults with cancer have access to the knowledge and support they need to make
the best decisions for them. Influence – grow our influencing position and
partnerships to shape a healthcare system and wider support that is suitable for
the needs of young adults with cancer. Reach – increase the profile and reach of
Shine, aiming for every young adult diagnosed with cancer to have access to our
services and support. Build – invest in Shine’s internal capacity, governance
and sustainability to build firm foundations for growth. Our goal is for these
strands to come together to enable better wellbeing for younger adults with
cancer, improved relationships and less isolation, more informed
decision-making, and systems that are better able to meet our community’s needs.
Our history Shine started in Dorset in 2008 as a non-traditional support group
for young adults. Emma and Justine were both diagnosed with cancer at a young
age and had a hard time finding others that the could relate to. They realised
there was a huge lack of support for younger adults with cancer and the idea for
Shine was born. Within the first year, they had connected with over 100 young
adults in Dorset. In 2010, Emma met Ceinwen. They launched Shine in London and
the UK’s first research into the unmet needs of young adults diagnosed with
cancer. Ceinwen and Emma then developed events and activities that would support
the gaps identified in the research. Shine was registered as a charity in 2012,
and has since supported thousands across the UK Shine has local Shine Networks
across the UK and runs a number of annual events including Shine Camp, the Great
Escape retreat, and Shine Connect, the UK’s only conference for young adults
with cancer. Shine also runs a number of highly-rated workshops on topics such
as working after cancer and managing anxiety and depression. As a patient-led
organisation, Shine works hard to ensure that young adults with cancer play a
key role in the design and delivery of all activities. Shine is supported by a
Board of Trustees as well as a patron, Oliver Spencer, and a number of corporate
supporters including TTA and Travel Insurance Facilities.
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