Finding Strength Together: A Peer Support Weekend at Crieff Hydro for Young People Living with Cancer

For young people living with cancer, life can feel isolating – friendships disrupted, routines turned upside down, and even a sense of who they are beyond their diagnosis becoming harder to hold onto. That’s why the Peer Support Weekend at Crieff Hydro is so important. It’s a chance to step away from treatment routines, rediscover themselves again and meet others who really understand what they’re going through.

Thanks to your support, the incredible teams at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Teenage Cancer Trust brought together 12 young people aged 13–17 for a weekend designed to give them what they need most: time to breathe, bond, and belong.

The trip offered opportunities to share experiences with others in similar situations, enjoy time away from home, and take part in fun activities that helped build confidence and connection.

Moments That Make a Difference

From tree-top adventures and alpaca trekking to swimming and creative workshops, the weekend was packed with opportunities to try something new, with the beautiful setting of Crieff Hydro offering a sense of escape and calm. But the real difference came in the conversations that took place and friendships that formed, as the children and young people bonded over experiences that most of their friends can’t relate to.

One young person shared:

It is good to talk to other who have or are going though similar things to you.”

Another said:

I feel brilliant because I have never done it before. I would 100% do it again—it was so fun.”

For some, the experience marked a milestone:

I went swimming for the first time since I got my port fitted over 3 years ago.”

Parents noticed the change too:

It’s just so lovely to see him do ‘normal’ things rather than being at home quite isolated as he lost a lot of his friends. It’s been great seeing him connect with others his age and enjoy time away from home.”

Building Confidence and Belonging

Before the trip, only two young people rated themselves as “very confident.” Afterwards, seven did. Families also told us they saw improvements in confidence, self-esteem, and social inclusion:

It has been really great seeing him comfortable meeting new people and talk about wanting to meet up with them. Hearing him talk about the group chat they have was lovely.”

It was really good for the whole family. As parents we were able to spend time with our other children doing activities that we would not usually be able to do. We also had time as just a couple – a first since diagnosis almost 2 years ago!”

And for many, the biggest impact was simply feeling understood:

It is a great way to get out of your comfort zone, try new things, meet new people and do so in an environment which is supportive and where you’re not judged.”

This weekend was about more than getting away from the hospital environment, it was about proving to themselves what they are still able to do. From trying new activities to opening up about their experiences with peers, they felt supported and understood, leaving with confidence, independence and a renewed sense of identity. Thanks to your generosity, and the dedication of the NHS Lothian and Teenage Cancer Trust teams, these young people returned home with new friendships, lasting memories and the knowledge that they are capable of so much more beyond their diagnosis.