Hollywood Bowl Group - Branksome Poole

Youth Cancer Trust is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting young people aged 18–30 who have been diagnosed with cancer. Our mission is to provide opportunities for these young people to rebuild their lives, confidence and sense of self following the physical and emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment. A cancer diagnosis at a young age can be profoundly isolating. It often interrupts education, careers, relationships and independence at a critical stage of life. Many young people experience long-term effects including anxiety, loss of confidence, and difficulty reconnecting with peers who have not shared similar experiences. Youth Cancer Trust addresses this need through the delivery of free, therapeutic wellbeing holidays. These residential breaks provide a safe, supportive and understanding environment where young people can step away from the clinical setting and focus on recovery in a holistic way. Each holiday brings together small groups of individuals with shared experiences, helping to reduce isolation and foster meaningful peer connections. Our programme combines relaxation, social connection and structured activities designed to support mental and emotional wellbeing. Activities may include time in nature, creative sessions, gentle physical exercise and group discussions. The emphasis is on rebuilding confidence, encouraging self-expression and supporting individuals to rediscover who they are beyond cancer. A key strength of our approach is peer support. Many beneficiaries describe the experience as life-changing, as it is often the first time they feel fully understood without needing to explain their situation. This sense of belonging helps to rebuild self-esteem and provides a foundation for ongoing recovery. Importantly, all holidays are provided free of charge, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to support. This is particularly important as many young people affected by cancer face financial challenges due to disrupted education or employment. Beyond the holidays themselves, the impact is long-lasting. Participants leave with renewed confidence, stronger coping strategies and supportive friendships that continue beyond the programme. Many go on to re-engage with education, return to work or pursue new opportunities with a more positive outlook on their future. Youth Cancer Trust is a small but highly impactful organisation, working closely with its beneficiaries to ensure that support is personal, meaningful and effective. Through our work, we aim to ensure that no young person feels alone after cancer, and that each individual is empowered to move forward with confidence and hope.