Vulnerable young people shielding miss out on mental health support

Vulnerable young people who have been shielding are missing out on vital psychological support, sparking fears for their long-term health and prompting calls from leaders in teenage and young adult cancer care for urgent and ongoing access to vital support services.

In a report launched today, the charity Teenage Cancer Trust has called on the government to provide essential specialist services as it warns that 53 per cent of young people with cancer have struggled to access psychological support during the Coronavirus pandemic, at a time where isolation and anxiety are magnified.

The charity, which supports 13-24 year olds with specialist cancer nursing and youth support services alongside dedicated cancer units, surveyed over 100 young people as part of report – Cancer x coronavirus: the impact on young people – with many attributing feelings of loneliness and distress directly to the pandemic.

The charity also raises concerns over the poor communication and lack of clarity that has been offered to those shielding over the past few months, saying any future advice shouldn’t make young people choose between their safety and their income or job security.

Dr Louise Soanes, director of services for Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Access to psychological support was a struggle even before coronavirus. But now, as young people with cancer begin to see their friends going back to school, those who continue to shield feel more isolated than ever - they need and deserve urgent support. We have fears for the toll this will take on their mental health in the long term which is why we’re asking for specialist psychological support to be urgently made more available.”