Helen Gravestock
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helengravestock.bsky.social
Helen Gravestock
@helengravestock.bsky.social
1.1K followers 1.2K following 42 posts
Director of Policy, Communications and Voice @younglivesvscancer - the UKs leading charity for children and young people with cancer and their families. Mum of two. Coffee fuelled
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Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
PIP is essential for young people with cancer, both those facing it now and everyone who will face it in the future. The upcoming PIP changes still risk those in the future not receiving this vital support. We cannot let that happen – email your MP now: ow.ly/xxlA50Whmo3
A quote card with a photo of Helen Gravestock, Director of Policy, Communications and Voice. The quote says: "Whilst the UK Government's change in approach to keep PIP in place for those currently claiming is welcomed for young people facing cancer now, the changes still risk young people diagnosed with cancer in the future not receiving this vital financial support. A two-tier benefits system is not right or fair and we cannot let this happen. No young person chooses to get cancer, and be met with the spiralling unavoidable costs that it brings. We encourage everyone to contact their MP and ask them to vote against the changes to PIP to protect young people with cancer."
June 27, 2025 at 10:51 AM
helengravestock.bsky.social
⏱️ Just a few hours left to have your say on the Cancer Plan for England

👇🏽 Check out the handy guide below for details on how
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · Apr 29
Last chance:

Have your say on the Cancer Plan for England before 23:59 tonight.

We’ve written a handy guide to help you

👉 bit.ly/3REVyaa
A message from the Young Lives vs Cancer Voice Board. The backgroud is black and on the right is a polaroid picture of 11 members of the voice board standing in a line and looking at the camera. White text says: The UK Government are listening, so let's not miss our chance. We need as many young people, families and those that support us as possible to raise their voices too. Because it's vital that now is the time that we get it right for all children and young people with cancer, and their families. So please, use your voice and respond to the consultation.
April 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
THEY DID IT. A huge congratulations to our London Marathon runners for crossing the finish line yesterday. We’re so proud of Team Young Lives for coming together to support children and young people with cancer. 👏
A woman is running the London Marathon wearing a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. She's holding her fist up in the air and is smiling. A man is running the London Marathon in a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. He's holding his left fist up. Behind them there are other people running. A woman is running the London Marathon in a Young Lives vs Cancer vest. She's holding both arms up and is looking straight ahead, smiling. Three people are posing together in a park. They're all wearing Young Lives vs Cancer running vests and are smiling.
April 28, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
joeburnsmcr.bsky.social
Been at the London Marathon running show today seeing our amazing @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social runners, and also the London Marathon LEGEND that is Yimmy! (If you've run the marathon, there's a decent chance you know the name)
An expo board featuring facts about Young Lives Vs Cancer, the names of all our runners this year, and some Polaroids of runners stuck to the wall A door covered in Polaroid photos of Young Lives Vs Cancer runners The legend that is David Yin (Yimmy) chatting with some runners and showing off his many, many marathon medals The queue forms around the Young Lives Vs Cancer stand for David Yim (Yimmy) as he arrived
April 25, 2025 at 2:20 PM
helengravestock.bsky.social
Love this! 🧡

Good luck Alex, Jasper, Ben and Jim! You can do it!

Thanks for running for @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · Apr 25
Alex, Jasper, Ben & Jim will be running the London Marathon in a Scooby Doo mystery machine costume, in support of Young Lives vs Cancer. Watch their Sky News interview: youtube.com/watch?v=QUnk...

They’re attempting to break the world record for the fastest marathon in a four-person costume. 👏
Runners attempting world record in Scooby-Doo's mystery machine
YouTube video by Sky News
youtube.com
April 25, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
Thanks to @sharonbarbourbbc.bsky.social and BBC Look North for sharing Jake's story this Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month #TYACAM
April 22, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
rachelkr.bsky.social
Are you a senior Children’s or TYA cancer nurse with significant experience leading services at PTC, Shared Care, Community, Cancer Network or Research setting? @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social is looking for a new Trustee with your expertise. www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/g...
Join our Team Young Lives Board of Trustees
As a Trustee you will play a vital role in helping Young Lives vs Cancer to thrive so that failies do not face cancer alone.
www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
April 22, 2025 at 2:11 PM
helengravestock.bsky.social
📣 If you’ve found an Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey on your doormat recently, make sure to make your voice heard

📣 Share your experiences and help shape future services 👇🏽
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · Apr 16
Did you or your child receive the Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey in the post recently? Your feedback could help the NHS and cancer charities improve services for children and young people with cancer. For more information please visit: www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk
Image shows text and an image of a young cancer patient. Text reads: Under 16 Cancer Patient Experience Survey. If you receive a survey in the post, have you say. Your feedback will help the NHS to improve cancer services for children and young people. For more information visit: https://www.under16cancerexperiencesurvey.co.uk/
April 16, 2025 at 4:46 PM
helengravestock.bsky.social
Loving this ‘Tumour Humour’ poem from Aagoon 👇🏽
#TYACAM #WorldArtDay
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · Apr 15
"Writing this poem helped me find some light in the chaos." Aagoon wrote Tumour Humour, a poem about being diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma when she was 19.
Read it in full here: ow.ly/Yvet50VAHZC
#TYACAM #WorldArtDay
White text on a black background. Title reads: Tumour Humour Text from Aagoon's poem reads: One morning, I’m rushing, ready to face Another long day, another rat race. Late to my calculus class at nine, I pull back my hair and a lump I find. I touch it and frown, unsure of its might, Day after day, it stays there in sight. Small and unbothered, it sits like a chum, Mr. Lump, my companion, a new rule of thumb. Aagoon, 21.
April 15, 2025 at 5:43 PM
helengravestock.bsky.social
Great to spend the day with these guys exploring how we can best work together to build a better future for children and young people with cancer.
Refreshing to part of a project where organisations genuinely put brand and ego aside in pursuit of collaborative change
April 14, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
Emma Wood, Voice Manager at Young Lives vs Cancer talks about how we bring young people with lived experience of cancer and their families into our work and decision-making, and how you can get involved.

Read more: ow.ly/oTmu50VwjQk
What is 'Voice' at Young Lives vs Cancer?
Emma Wood, Voice Manager talks about the crucial work of bringing young people with lived experience into our work.
ow.ly
April 8, 2025 at 9:06 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
rodtmitchell.bsky.social
👨 Are you a young man (>16yrs):

✅ diagnosed with cancer aged 11-25?
 
We would love to hear your views on a new resource, designed to help young males with #cancer with their #fertility & #FertilityPreservation. If you can help or want to learn more please get in touch 👇
April 5, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
This April, we're joining other cancer charities to raise awareness of the unique set of challenges facing young people with cancer during Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. Help us amplify their voices this #TYACAM. Read more 👉 ow.ly/Q5SQ50Vs5MS
Black and plum graphic. Text reads: Over 50% of those diagnosed with cancer as a teenager or young adult say they need help dealing with their sadness, anger and frustration. Young Lives vs Cancer logo in top right corner.
April 1, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
Our friends at It's Never You are campaigning for better financial support for parents of seriously ill children. Sign their petition today to show your support for #HughsLaw

👉 bit.ly/3QZmbXb
The It's Never You logo. The words 'it's never' are in black and 'you' is in orange. An orange line drawing of a butterfly flies above the words
April 4, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
rachelkr.bsky.social
Really proud to be working in collaboration with other CYP cancer charities this #TYACAM. Coming together and working in genuine partnership we better amplify the voice of young cancer patients and highlight their support needs. We're #BetterTogether
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · Apr 1
This April, we're joining other cancer charities to raise awareness of the unique set of challenges facing young people with cancer during Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month. Help us amplify their voices this #TYACAM. Read more 👉 ow.ly/Q5SQ50Vs5MS
Black and plum graphic. Text reads: Over 50% of those diagnosed with cancer as a teenager or young adult say they need help dealing with their sadness, anger and frustration. Young Lives vs Cancer logo in top right corner.
April 1, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
ashleyballgamble.bsky.social
We’re working to change the system around children and young people with cancer - help us to understand the system better so we know what needs to happen: join us for one of our free online workshops ⬇️
rthomasoo.bsky.social Rosanna Thomasoo (she/ her) @rthomasoo.bsky.social · Mar 27
*NEW DATE ADDED - 22nd April*

@cclguk.bsky.social, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social need your expertise!

Join our workshops to explore the system around children and young people with cancer, and their families 👇

Together, we have the power to improve the system 👊
March 28, 2025 at 10:13 AM
helengravestock.bsky.social
We're hosting a series of workshops to deepen our understanding of the system around CYP with cancer & their families

These are open to everyone - in particular YP, practitioners & thought leaders in system thinking 👇

@younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
@cclguk.bsky.social
@frankfletcher.bsky.social
March 28, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
cancerresearchuk.org
Nic, a brain tumour survivor, is dedicated to helping other young people through our Involvement Network and Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People Insights Panel 💪 

Passionate about making a difference? Join our Involvement Network and help us beat cancer: cruk.ink/3DKedOG
Photo of Nic and his parents outside a hospital. There is a text overlay which reads, "My experience shaped who I am today, and whole I wouldn't wish this journey on anyone, I wouldn't change what it has taught me and the experience I can use to help others."
March 27, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
ladylaxton.bsky.social
So excited that the launch of Hawkins Laxton & Co has been featured in @prweekuk.bsky.social

Check out our new consultancy and all the services we offer here 👇

www.hawkinslaxton.com
prweekuk.bsky.social PR Week UK @prweekuk.bsky.social · Mar 26
Cherie Blair and Shelter CEO back new PR agency #pr #comms buff.ly/OTBDXTm
March 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
Do you have lived experience of cancer? We’re created a short survey to find out more about how you use social media, so that we can share relevant content on the channels that work for you.

Answer our short survey. It will only take 3 minutes: ow.ly/EbAy50VneqT
A graphic image with white text on a plum background. It reads: 'Do you have lived experience of cancer? Take our social media survey'. The Young Lives vs Cancer logo is sitting above the text, and the Bluesky logo below.
March 27, 2025 at 9:14 AM
helengravestock.bsky.social
Another missed opportunity to support the needs of young cancer patients & their families

Read our response to today’s Spring Statement below👇🏽

@younglivesvscancer.bsky.social will continue to amplify voices of children & young people with cancer until a Young Cancer Patient Travel Fund is here
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social Young Lives vs Cancer @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social · Mar 26
Today's Spring Statement was a chance for UK Government to support children and young people with cancer with the extra costs that come with a diagnosis.

Our CEO @rachelkirby.bsky.social shares her reflections on how the statement missed the mark for the families we support.

👉 bit.ly/4hP8PYr
March 26, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
It’s day two of #CCLG2025! We were blown away by how many people stopped to see us yesterday. Thank you to everyone who chatted about the psychosocial challenges faced by the families we support. If you’re here and haven’t had chance to see us yet, we’re at stand 12 👋
A section of our conference stand. A white background with the title: Cancer is more than medical: what psychosocial challenges are children and young people with cancer facing? Write your thoughts below. Cancer professionals have written their answers in different coloured pens. Examples include anxiety, being behind at school, fitting in, additional costs, cost of living, feeling different to friends/peers and vulnerability Our stand at CCLG conference. The background is mainly plum coloured with orange, blue and green accents. There is a white rectangle with handwriting on one of the panels. At the front is a table with a Young Lives vs Cancer table cloth. Sonia, a woman, is sat at the table smiling at the camera. On the table are leaflets and books.
March 25, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
ayph.bsky.social
New research published by @younglivesvscancer.bsky.social looks at the experiences of children and young people with cancer and their families as they navigate the process of claiming disability benefits following their diagnosis. 

www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/c...
The cost of waiting
Children and young people with cancer and their families need a better benefits system
www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk
March 25, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
We’re excited to present our sector research at #CCLG2025. Starting at 1.15pm in hall 8, we’ll be sharing our North Star Vision and Collective Impact Initiative, followed by our oral abstract exploring the long term wellbeing of young cancer survivors at 1.45pm 👇
A presentation cover slide with a lilac background. Text says Exploring the long-term wellbeing of young cancer survivors. Rich Hughes - Policy, Evidence & Research Manager, Young Lives vs Cancer. March 2025. A presentation cover slide with a yellow background. Text says 'North star vision and collective impact initiative. CCLG conference 2025 lunch time showcase. Roseanna Thomasoo - Associate Director: Leaning & Systemic Design, Young Lives vs Cancer. Rich Hughes - Policy, Evidence & Research Manager, Young Lives vs Cancer
March 25, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Reposted by Helen Gravestock
younglivesvscancer.bsky.social
We’ll be presenting our spotlight talk at 1:15 on Tuesday at #CCLG2025. Come along to hear more about our research into long term wellbeing, our North Star Vision and Collective Impact Initiative.
A graphic image of our conference schedule. The text reads: 'Find us during the conference: All day - exhibition stand 12. Monday 5.30-7 - Poster showcase (Hall 3). Tuesday 11.30-12.45 - Introduction to our online bereavement group (Hall 4). Tuesday 1.15-1.30 - Spotlight Talk: North Star Vision & Collective Impact Initiative (Hall 8). Tuesday 1.45 - Oral abstract: Exploring the long-term wellbeing of young cancer survivors (Hall 8).
March 24, 2025 at 11:27 AM