Every year approximately 2,600 sixteen to twenty four year olds are diagnosed with cancer in the UK (Cancer Research UK, 2017).
The beginnings
We know from experience about some of the needs of young people living with cancer. In 2013 our daughter Flynne was diagnosed with a brain tumour. During her treatment Flynne valued making friends during hospital visits and at charity events. She liked to be with people who “get it”.
Providing opportunities for young people to meet with others who have similar experiences of cancer is now widely recommended through support groups, peer to peer opportunities, expressive therapies, technology-based and skills-based interventions.
The idea for Flynne’s Barn came when we first visited Thorneythwaite Farm in June 2016; it was due to be auctioned later that summer. The beautiful stone barn in the farmyard, with its wide wooden doors and raised platforms seemed ideal for a project working with young people. Little did we imagine then that we would be able to turn this into a reality. With the tremendous support from our family and friends we now find ourselves here in the mountains welcoming visitors to Flynne’s Barn.
Flynne’s Barn therefore aims to:
- Join other organisations in responding to the unmet needs of young people affected by cancer
- Provide residential stays that allow young people to connect over a longer period than many of the workshop-based opportunities that are currently available
- Bring together a range of recognised components of psychosocial support (community, education, art, music, horticulture, physical activity)
- Contribute to further knowledge and understanding in this field
Three major studies published in recent years have addressed the importance of the psychosocial needs of young people following a cancer diagnosis: Clic Sargent (2017); Teenage Cancer Trust (2016);Warner et al (2016).
At Flynne’s Barn we are also focused on the links between mental wellbeing and spending time in nature. In recent years researchers have presented data confirming the health benefits brought about by simple access to green/blue spaces: Valatin et al., (2021); White et al., (2019); White et al., (2021). These findings are associated with combining elements, including stress reduction, physical activity, social cohesion and air quality. Our services have been developed in line with this research, providing accommodation in a highly biodiverse valley and access to a range of outdoor activities through which to further engage in the natural environment.