When a parent or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it changes things. That experience gives you a perspective nobody else has. We're building a Youth Panel around it, and here's what it will involve.
The Youth Panel will be a group of young people who help Little Ripples design and improve the support we offer. The resources we create, the programmes we develop and the way we talk to young people, all of it is shaped by young people like you.
If you've ever thought "I wish someone had told me that", or "it would have helped to have this when I was going through it", this is your chance to do something about it and help others.
When it opens, you'll be able to join the Youth Panel if you:
You don't need to be confident, outspoken or experienced. You just need to be you. If you have any access requirements, just let us know when you register and we'll do everything we can to make being part of the panel feel genuinely possible for you.
Being part of the Youth Panel will be flexible, so you do what feels right for you, when it feels right. It's likely to include things like:
Every opportunity is optional. There's no minimum commitment, and some months there may be nothing at all. School, family, friends and your own wellbeing always come first, and if things get harder at home, it's completely okay to step back for a while.
The Youth Panel is being designed to be safe, respectful and supportive. You will never be asked to share anything you're not comfortable sharing, and you will never be put on the spot. If talking about cancer brings up difficult feelings, we will always make sure you have access to the right support.
A note for parents and guardians: all young people aged 10 to 18 will need the permission of a parent or guardian before joining. When the panel opens, we will contact you directly with more information before anything is confirmed, so you can ask any questions first.
We're still working out how the panel will run, so that when it opens it's a genuinely safe and supportive space. Sign up to our newsletter and we'll let you know as soon as young people can register their interest.
Sign up for updatesParents and guardians with questions can email us any time at hello@littleripplesuk.org.uk.
