Health Professionals | Youth Cancer Trust | YCT

Information for health professionals

If you’re a health professional, social worker, GP, youth worker or part of a cancer support network, you play a vital role in helping us reach young people who would benefit from a Youth Cancer Trust holiday.

 

What is Youth Cancer Trust?

Youth Cancer Trust (YCT) offers free therapeutic wellbeing holidays in Dorset for young people aged over 18 who were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 30.

We rent a farmhouse near Dorchester for several weeks throughout the year and we welcome groups of 12 guests of a similar age. Current holiday dates can be found on our website and social media (Facebook). The focus is on fun, connection, and peer support – helping young people rebuild confidence, make friends, and enjoy time away with others who understand.

📥 Download the Digital Toolkit for full referral information, posters, leaflets, application form and social media resources.

Why it matters

Young people with cancer often feel isolated. Being with others who understand what they’re going through can be life-changing.

Guests tell us the holidays give them space to be themselves, boost self-esteem, and offer a sense of belonging. Health professionals have called it “a complementary part of treatment” and “a moment of optimism”.

Many of our guests say they felt more confident after their YCT stay.

📥 Download the Digital Toolkit to help spread the word in your hospital or practice.

 

Who can attend? 

To be eligible, a young person must:

  • Be 18+ and diagnosed before the age of 30
  • Be receiving treatment (or follow-up) in the UK or Republic of Ireland
  • Be living with or beyond cancer, including late effects
  • Be able to travel independently or bring a companion of a similar age to support their needs.
  • Be able to manage all personal cares or bring a companion of a similar age to support their needs. (We do not have any manual handling equipment or hoists)
  • Have previously attended a YCT holiday (repeat visits welcome)

They can also bring a friend, partner, or sibling of a similar age.

📥 Download the Digital Toolkit for eligibility criteria, referral forms, and more.

 

How to refer 

Referring someone is easy. You can:

  • Check our eligibility criteria
  • Ask the young person to complete the application form here
  • Support them through the application process

Early applications are encouraged, and holidays are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

📥 Download the Digital Toolkit now to help a young person access this opportunity.

 

Help us raise awareness

We rely on professionals like you to help us reach eligible young people. Please display our materials in your:

  • Cancer information centres
  • Wards and waiting areas
  • GP surgeries
  • Support groups and newsletters

Offering a YCT holiday gives young people something to look forward to and supports their mental wellbeing as part of a holistic approach to care.

📥 Download the Digital Toolkit – includes posters, flyers, videos and referral info.

 

Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest priority. All policies and procedures are available on request.

Need printed materials?

We can send you:

  • A4 or A5 posters
  • Leaflets
  • Application forms- online preferred – print from the website if needed
  • Newsletters
  • Videos – YouTube

Simply email us at admin@yct.org.uk to request what you need.

Together, we can make sure more young people know about Youth Cancer Trust and the difference it can make.

📥 [Download the Digital Toolkit]