Donate
Teenagers and young adults receiving cancer treatment at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre will now receive a special tote bag, thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and care during their hospital stay. These tote bags, created by the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Team and NHS, in collaboration with the Youth Advisory Forum, which is part of the Managed Service Network for Children & Young People with Cancer, are filled with practical items to support young people newly diagnosed with cancer.
Launching on Tuesday, 1st April, to mark the beginning of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, the tote bags are a small gesture to remind young people that they are not alone. The bags are funded by Beatson Cancer Charity and reflect the charity’s commitment to providing comfort and support to those going through cancer treatment.
PICTURED: Contents in the tote bag
Each year, The Beatson sees approximately 80 new referrals to the Teenage and Young Adult Unit. The unit provides specialist care tailored to the unique needs of young people aged 16-25, ensuring they receive both medical and emotional support throughout their treatment.
The contents of the tote bags have been carefully chosen with input from the Youth Advisory Forum - a group of young people who have faced cancer themselves and wanted to ensure others feel supported. Each bag includes:
- A cosy blanket – offering warmth during hospital stays.
- Ear plugs – for moments when quiet is needed.
- A reusable water bottle and coffee cup – to encourage hydration while being environmentally conscious.
- A 3m charging cable – providing easy access to charge devices, even from hospital beds.
- MooGoo skincare products – gentle and safe for use during cancer treatment.
- A cutlery set – useful for meals during hospital visits.
- A compressed cloth – for freshening up on the go.
- A specially designed tote bag – created by a young person, with practicality and comfort in mind.
Design by Rhona Boyle
The bags serve as a reminder to young people that there is a community of people who care deeply about them. If there are items within the bag they do not need, they are encouraged to pass them on or return them so others can benefit.
Nicole Lowther from the Youth Advisory Forum, said: “I think the new tote bags will make such an immense difference to new patients who are admitted to hospital. I feel like this is something that would’ve greatly benefited me and helped me to feel cared for and safe at the start of my diagnosis when you are thrown into an unfamiliar and scary environment. I believe it highlights how important your team value your mental health just as much as your physical. It’s like sending a big hug in the form of a present to make some of the darkest days that little bit comfier and lighter.”
Aidan MacDonald, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “I lead the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) team, serving Glasgow and the West of Scotland. To better support young people aged 16-25 facing a cancer diagnosis, I developed the idea for a tote bag initiative. These reusable bags include essential items, such as a thermometer, to ensure every young person has access to basic necessities at the start of their journey. Our team, comprising Young Lives Vs Cancer Social Work, Teenage Cancer Trust Youth Support coordinators, and professionals in psychology, nursing, and physiotherapy, is dedicated to providing practical, emotional, and psychological support to young people and their families. We also wanted to offer a small token at the time of diagnosis to show that they are not alone.
“About a year ago, we submitted a grant proposal to the Beatson Cancer Charity, which was warmly received by Gillian Hailstones. Rather than treating it as a small pilot project, she supported it as an ongoing initiative. Working closely with the Youth Advisory Forum, we carefully selected the items for the tote bag. Our hope is that this gesture—a bag with essentials and a welcoming letter—will bring comfort and make a positive difference in the lives of the young people we serve.”
PICTURED: Aidan MacDonald, Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist
Gillian Hailstones, CEO of Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are proud to fund these tote bags and to work alongside the Teenage and Young Adult Team, as well as the Youth Advisory Forum. We know how challenging cancer can be, especially for young people, and we hope these bags offer a little comfort and a reminder that there are people who care and who are here to support them every step of the way.”
The Teenage and Young Adult Team, along with the Beatson Cancer Charity, remains committed to ensuring no young person facing cancer feels unsupported. These tote bags are a meaningful way to offer practical support and a message of hope during a difficult time.
