In January 2022, we finalised a new five-year strategy. We have updated our vision and mission statements and articulated our values. We will use these to underpin five strategic objectives that will guide Shine’s focus and attention between 2022 and 2027.

We want every adult in their 20s, 30s and 40s who is diagnosed with cancer to know they’re not alone, and to have the support, knowledge, and confidence to navigate whatever cancer throws their way. 

There’s never a good time for a cancer diagnosis, but in your 20s, 30s or 40s there are particular challenges to navigate, like work, dating, finances and more.  At Shine, we’ve been there and we get it. We’re here to help you deal with everything that your diagnosis brings, before, during and after treatment, and to welcome you into our community. 

Inclusive – Our services are open to anyone in their 20s, 30s and 40s with a cancer diagnosis, no matter what type or stage, when your diagnosis was, or what your background is.

Approachable – We want everyone in Shine’s community to feel welcomed and to feel able to get involved, and we design all our services to be friendly, fun and down-to-earth.

Authentic – We’re patient-led and passionate, and we want everyone involved to have a genuine and honest voice, with patients at the heart of our work.

Innovative – As a small charity, we’re adaptable and agile, and we are responsive to needs as they change. We listen to what Shine’s community is saying and strive to find practical solutions.

Empowering – Our services aren’t about us “doing” to or “for” you. We want to empower you to ask the right questions, get the right information, take control, and make the best decisions for yourself.

1. Connect – build a nationwide community of younger adults with cancer and the people around them, reducing isolation and supporting their physical and mental well-being.
2. Inform – ensure that younger adults with cancer have access to the knowledge and support they need to make the best decisions for them.
3. Influence – grow our influencing position and partnerships to shape a healthcare system and wider support that is suitable for the needs of young adults with cancer.
4. Reach –  increase the profile and reach of Shine, aiming for every young adult diagnosed with cancer to have access to our services and support.
5. Build – invest in Shine’s internal capacity, governance and sustainability to build firm foundations for growth.

Our goal is for these strands to come together to enable better wellbeing for younger adults with cancer, improved relationships and less isolation, more informed decision-making, and systems that are better able to meet our community’s needs.

Shine started in Dorset in 2008 as a non-traditional support group for young adults. Emma and Justine were both diagnosed with cancer at a young age and had a hard time finding others that the could relate to. They realised there was a huge lack of support for younger adults with cancer and the idea for Shine was born. Within the first year, they had connected with over 100 young adults in Dorset.

In 2010, Emma met Ceinwen. They launched Shine in London and the UK’s first research into the unmet needs of young adults diagnosed with cancer. Ceinwen and Emma then developed events and activities that would support the gaps identified in the research. Shine was registered as a charity in 2012, and has since supported thousands across the UK

Shine has local Shine Networks across the UK and runs a number of annual events including Shine Camp and Shine Connect, the UK’s only conference for young adults with cancer. Shine also runs a number of highly-rated programmes for young adults at various stages of their cancer experience. As a patient-led organisation, Shine works hard to ensure that young adults with cancer play a key role in the design and delivery of all activities.

Shine is supported by a Board of Trustees as well as a patron, Oliver Spencer, and a number of corporate supporters including TTA and Travel Insurance Facilities.