Riprap is a website developed especially for teenagers who have a parent with cancer. The site offers resources on learning about cancer and its treatments and shares real stories and experiences of other young people.

Hope is a UK charity, which provides support to young people when a family member is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. The charity supports young people aged 5 to 25, from the moment of diagnosis. The online support team offers oneto-one support over various online messaging platforms, such as Teams and Facebook. It also offers an online peer support community. All services can be accessed through the website.

Childline can help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. The telephone helpline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. It’s important to note that the helpline number won’t show up on the phone bill. They also offer a one-to-one messenger chat service with a counsellor through the website. Childline provides an ‘Ask Sam’ service, where young people can write to Sam anonymously for advice. They can also choose to post on the charity’s message boards to speak to other young people.

Young Lives Vs Cancer is a UK based charity that supports children & young people (aged 0-25) and their families. Their website offers a lot of helpful resources, including a section to support parents and a helpline that you can call to speak to their social care team. Their helpline offers emotional support as well as financial and practical advice. You can call their helpline Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm. Or you can contact them using the live chat function on their website or by emailing them at getsupport@younglivesvscancer.org.uk

Shine offers support for anyone in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Online resources, pod casts, online support groups and various online clubs are also accessible. Shine offers support before, during and after treatment.

The Mix offers essential support for under 25’s. The Helpline is available for 11 to 25 year olds to talk about any issues. A Crisis messenger service is available 24 hours a day. Plus a free counselling service, which can be applied for via the website.

Cancer Research UK has a section on its website that aims to help parents to talk to their children about cancer. Including tips and advice specific to the child’s age group. Cancer Research UK nurses are available on the freephone helpline.

Macmillan Cancer Support offers helpful information on how to cope when a family member has cancer. This includes; how to support them and how to talk to them. There are also tips on how carers can manage their own feelings and how to get support as a carer. Emotional support and practical advice can be accessed online and via the telephone helpline.

Bupa provides downloadable booklets and activity books, which are full of advice and illustrations. Including simple explanations about what cancer is and the different types of treatments, as well as how children can deal with their feelings. The booklets include contributions from children who have been in a similar situation, reassuring young readers that they are not alone.

Breast Cancer Now offers this free downloadable book, which explains diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer to children.