We know the impact cancer can have. We are used to talking about it and we’re good at listening.
If you are between 12 and 21 years old and have any questions or concerns about cancer then the Macmillan YouthLine is for you. Our operators are there to give you information and support, and you can talk to them in confidence about how you feel.
Alternatively if you want to contact the YouthLine out of hours you can email us at: youthline@macmillan.org.uk or use our contact us form - everything you tell us will be treated in confidence.
We can call you back by phone or respond to specific questions by email. Where possible we will respond within three days.
If you are a teacher or health professional we can help by giving you information and advice on how to talk to young people who are affected by cancer.
What you've told us....
Caller to YouthLine, age 18 says, “I’d just started at university when my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. As well as worrying about her, I felt terrible being so far away from home, and that I was letting my family down by not being there. Speaking to someone on the YouthLine really helped me get it in perspective, we talked about what was happening to my Mum, what the rest of the family was going through, and how I could go and visit my Mum while not having to feel guilty about wanting to live my life. It just felt good to tell someone how I felt.”
Macmillan Ambassador Fearne Cotton says,
"I know it can be hard to talk to your friends about some things, like cancer. When my Nan was diagnosed I found it hard to deal with and unsure if any one else would understand. Now there really is no need to suffer alone in silence. If you are worried, regardless of whether you, a friend or family member have cancer, the new Macmillan YouthLine is there to help. There's no need to feel awkward about contacting the Macmillan YouthLine, its friendly professional staff provide a free, impartial, and anonymous service so you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns."
More resources for young people
Our
Why bother? website has answers to many questions young people may have about cancer and how Macmillan can support you.
Why bother? also includes a Real-life zone with young people who have been affected by cancer sharing their stories.
Who can I talk to out of hours when the Macmillan YouthLine is closed?
Macmillan's YouthLine is not an emergency service and although we would like to provide 24 hour, seven day a week cover, we do not have the funds or facilities to do this at present.
Some organisations have special arrangements for night and weekend cover:
