Programmes

We know that having cancer at a young age can be isolating and lonely - and we’re working to change that. We have lots of ways to meet other young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer either online or in person.

Read

Support us

As a small charity, we rely on donations and sponsorship to deliver our life-changing programmes and activities. Fancy helping us out? You can help make a big difference to the young adults living with a cancer diagnosis!

Read

All about Shine

Shine is working to create a community of young adults with cancer. All of our work is designed to bring people closer together and ensure that they get the support the need. No one needs to go through cancer alone.

Read

Why Shine?

Shine exists exclusively to support adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have experienced a cancer diagnosis. There is never a good time to have cancer, but we know that younger adults face different issues than their older or younger counterparts - and that many of these are not dealt with by traditional cancer support charities and services.

  • Our vision is that every adult in the UK living with cancer in their 20s, 30s or 40s can access the help and support that they need in a way that suits their lifestyle, and that they are a part of a confident, supportive and empowered community of young adults living with cancer.
  • Our mission is to provide tailored information and peer support for anyone in their 20s, 30s or 40s diagnosed with any cancer. We do this through a range of activities including lunches and drinks evenings, beach walks, multi-day getaways, workshops, online networking, and mentoring.

 

 

WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING AT SHINE?
Get the latest on our news and events

Find out more

Want to meet up with other younger adults facing cancer? Our Networks are not typical support groups: we don’t meet in hospitals, there is no set agenda, and we never sit around in a circle ‘sharing’! Our Shine Networks meet up on a regular basis for drinks, dinner, beach walks, bowling and more. And as a bonus, Shine always buys the first round! Check out our list of Networks below. No Network near you? Join us online and see if you can find others that way!

Events organised by our local networks are promoted through their email lists.  Find out what's happening in your local area: 

localevents

West Midlands

Cardiff

Sussex

Hampshire

Oxford

Bristol

Norwich

New Forest

North East

Dorset

London

Manchester

shine's secret facebook group

Shine's secret Facebook group

can't find a cancer group

Can't find a local group?

can't find a cancer group

Follow us on Twitter

News & Events

It can be hard to find organisations and services that cater to young adults with cancer. Below we’ve listed some of our favourite organisations and resources. Take a look - and if we’ve missed something let us know!

Beating Bowel Cancer

A UK-based charity dedicated to saving lives from bowel cancer. They have a forum especially for young adults with cancer.

Ellie’s Friends

Ellie’s Friends is an online platform that enables adults living with cancer to access free and discounted services or products in their area. 

Home Start

Home-Start helps families and are able to provide one-to-one and at home support for families coping with cancer.

Look Good, Feel Better


Offers pampering sessions and hair and beauty advice to women undergoing cancer treatment.

Lymphoma Association

Provides help and support to people affected by any type of lymphoma.

Mummy’s Star

Mummy’s Star is the only UK charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy. 

Osborne Trust

Provides children of parents with cancer the opportunity to access time out recreational activities while their parents undergo operations and treatments.

Second Hope

The only UK charity specifically for people living with advanced breast cancer.


Stupid Cancer

An American charity that supports young adults aged 18 to 39.  Their podcast is worth a listen!

Willow Foundation

Willow is the only national charity working with seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40 to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days. 

Working with Cancer

A social enterprise helping people affected by cancer to return to work

YBCN

An online forum for young women with breast cancer (any type, any stage).

Young Adult Cancer Canada

YACC is a Canadian charity supporting adults 18 to 39 with cancer. Be sure to check out their Big Cancer Hook Up videos and Survivor Profiles

Jane's Wish

An organisation providing days out and activties for children affected by cancer who live in Sussex