Resources for young patients

Who are young patients?

Anyone under the age of 18 who is receiving treatment for a medical condition, or is in hospital, would be considered a young patient. For Renaissance Foundation and our Programme, when we talk about ‘young patients’, we are focusing on young people who have a chronic or long-term medical condition, such as asthma, Type 1 diabetes, sickle cell, or cystic fibrosis. We have also supported young people who don’t have a name for their condition or diagnosis, because it’s so complex!

If you are a young person with a chronic health condition, or consider yourself a young patient, you might face a range of challenges that other young people your age don’t, such as:

• disruptions to your school or home life, due to appointments or hospital stays

• Chronic fatigue, pain, or mood swings

• Feeling misunderstood or isolated because of your condition or hospital appointments

• Being bullied

• Feelings of anxiety or low self esteem

If you think you are a Young Patient

You are not alone: your experience matters, and you deserve support and the chance to be a young person. You are more than just your health condition.

Click the picture above to watch videos about some of the young people we’ve previously supported, and what they’ve done while they’ve been with Renaissance Foundation.

Click the picture above to find out more about our three year Programme and what you can expect to learn and experience if you join us.

How we can support you

At Renaissance Foundation, we run a three year programme including personalised support, a range of fun and exciting activities, social get togethers in our youth hub and events and trips to help you build confidence and learn about different careers. By joining our programme, you will:

  • Build a community of friends and peers who understand what you’re dealing with, in our Aldgate Youth Hub 

  • Develop life skills, coping strategies, and resilience to go out into the wider world

  • Connect with role models and inspiring events (like meeting Lewis Hamilton, or going to Norway for the Nobel Peace Prize)

  • Explore future careers in many different industries, including science, tech, finance, media, and more 

FAQs for Young Patients

  • It is completely free to join the programme and all the activities we provide are free of any charge to young people.

  • No, but you must be well and confident enough to independently travel to programme activities.

  • Yes, multiple family members are welcome to participate in the programme.

  • To download a PDF with more information about these and other organisations, click here.