New Social Worker for Teenagers & Young Adults

Friends of the Cancer Centre is delighted to have recently added to our funded staff team with a Social Worker for Teenagers and Young Adults at the Cancer Centre, and we want to warmly welcome Laurena Kane to Team Friends. This investment from the charity allows the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) service to continue to provide vital psychosocial support for their young patients.

September is childhood cancer awareness month, highlighting the unique experience that children, teenagers and young adults have when diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a daunting experience for anyone, never mind for a child. For many young patients, their disease trajectory can become increasingly complex, and they may require additional ongoing specialist support.

In her role as a social worker for teenagers and young adults, Laurena works to ensure that the unique range of support required for this age group is provided from the initial point of diagnosis, right through to aftercare and survivorship. She works closely with the wider TYA team, including Friends of the Cancer Centre’s two TYA clinical nurse specialists, to care, not only for their patients but also families, parents, siblings and peers. A cancer diagnosis, particularly for a child, can have a devastating impact, but Laurena’s vital support can help make a difficult time that little bit easier, and ensure the most positive patient experience is provided.

With over 70 new teenage and young adult patients diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland each year, and many of them referred to the Cancer Centre for treatment, Laurena’s role is a really vital one. The charity is extremely proud to be able to support the TYA service in this way.