What are the aims of the TeenLink? There are two main aims of the TeenLink programme. * To provide emotional and practical support to teenagers who have been recently diagnosed with cancer. * To be the link between the recently diagnosed teenager, and the group CanTeen.

These aims are achieved by the following methods:

1. Talking to young people.
2. Listening to young people.
3. Visiting young people.
4. Telephoning young people.
5. E-mail.
6. Education.
7. Information.

There are two aspects of the programme, which are:

1. TeenLink Buddy service.
2. TeenLink Hospital visiting programme.

The TeenLink buddy will telephone new members prior to CanTeen activities, and help these new members settle into the group at CanTeen weekends away, and day meetings.

The TeenLink visitor will visit newly diagnosed teenagers with cancer in hospital, to lend a friendly ear, and share experiences about cancer. When the person leaves hospital, the TeenLinker will act as a telephone link to CanTeen and as a buddy at CanTeen meetings and weekends away. This service is currently being piloted on St. John's Ward, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.

So if you would like to organise a TeenLink visit, you need to fill in a Visit Request Form, which are available on the ward, and give it to the Social Worker or the Ward Sister, and the necessary arrangements will be made for you. Or you can contact the CanTeen office at 01-8722012.

"When you see someone coming in who was sick and who is now well, it gives you a lot of hope. You also feel that , that will be you today. It's nice to talk to someone who knows what you're going through, and it's reassuring for you."
Yvonne Palmer.