The C* Word is a Northamptonshire Library and Information Service project connecting teenagers and young adults (TYA) affected by cancer with local support agencies and with each other. The project is funded by Macmillan.

Our activities are aimed at 13 to 24 year olds and we can offer friends, family members, and cancer patients the chance to chill out with people in similar situations. If needed, we can also help you access Macmillan online forums and information and we can also signpost you to local youth support organisations. Young volunteers can help run C*Word events and access free training from the Libraries Service too. We can also offer Macmillan cancer training and networking opportunities for youth organisations, for libraries and schools teams to help you support young people affected by cancer. 

Why do young patients, their friends and families need the C*Word? 

• Teenage and young adult cancer patients from Northamptonshire generally travel to Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Oxfordshire for treatment, placing extra strain on relationships with friends and family members and making them harder to maintain.
• The C*Word is open to any young person affected by cancer, but our focus is on young friends and family of cancer patients because previously there were no dedicated events and support services for them, even though their fears and concerns about patients often lead to their own problems at school, college and work.
• Organisations supporting cancer patients have told us this service is needed because young friends and families need help.
• The C*Word is building a network of local organisations that can work together to help young people affected by cancer in Northamptonshire.

For young friends and family of cancer patients aged 13-24

• Free Music, Graffiti Art & Manga sessions, X Box Championships, Film Nights & Support Groups; • Macmillan Cancer Support information; • Help to find counselling & financial advice; • Referrals to other services that can help.

For Libraries, Teams and Youth Organisations.

Macmillan training courses; • Peer support; • Access to Macmillan Resources.

The C* Word Connecting Young People Affected by Cancer at Northamptonshire Central Library, Abington Street, Northampton, NN1 2BA

T: 07738 638 338 /01604 366712 E: TheCWord@northamptonshire.gov.uk 

The C* Word will deliver a programme of very different services to support teenagers and young people in whichever way they need it. These will include:

• Answering questions from the unique experience of Macmillan Cancer Support about a relation’s or friend’s condition
• Providing help with school, university or work
• Giving advice about finances
• Offering business start-up support
• Providing emotional support or just an opportunity to escape for an hour.

Where will these services be available?

These services will be delivered across Northamptonshire's 36 libraries.

How can I find out more?

You can get further information in a variety of ways:

• Visit our events calendar to find out about C* Word events in your local library
• Email: TheCWord@northamptonshire.gov.uk
• Follow us on twitter: @TheCWord_2015 

The C* Word Connecting Young People Affected by Cancer

• Want to give something back?
• Volunteer for the C* Word
• Join our focus group
• Tweet your news and views
• Join our activities

Tell us how we can help

Go to www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/thecword

Email TheCWord@northamptonshire.gov.uk

Twitter @TheCWord_2015 Call/Text 07738 638 338

Northampton Central Library, Abington Street, Northampton, NN1 2BA