Young People's Support Group Taster Session

The Aplastic Anaemia Trust will be running an online 6-week young people's support group beginning on 25th June. We wanted to offer you the chance to join a taster session on Tuesday 16th June at 6pm, where you will be able to get a better understanding of what to expect, and if you feel the 6-week support group is something you would like to join.

We understand that being diagnosed with a rare bone marrow failure condition can be an extremely challenging and isolating time. We want to bring you together, alongside a Clinical Psychologist, Catarina to provide a small, welcoming, youth-friendly space where you will be connected to peers in a similar situation. You will be able to talk openly about stress, identity and uncertainty with no feelings of judgement or pressure.

This exciting series of group sessions will help to support your emotional wellbeing whilst living your life to the fullest with a rare bone marrow failure condition. 

Please join this online taster session and/or support group if you:

• are aged between 16 and 25 and
• have been diagnosed with one of these conditions:
  • Aplastic Anaemia or PNH
  • Dyskeratosis Congenita or a telomere biology disorder
  • Fanconi Anaemia or
  • Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome,

During this taster session you will:

• meet with other young people living with a rare bone marrow failure condition,
• be part of a small group that makes it easier to connect and have your voice heard,
• have the chance to speak openly and honestly in a safe, non-judgmental space,
• get a deeper understanding of what benefits you will be able to access from joining our 6-week group sessions.

If you'd like to join the taster session on 16th June at 6pm, please register below to receive the Zoom link by email.

Meet Catarina, your group leader

Catarina is a Clinical Psychologist who has vast experience helping those with illness to navigate stressful and uncertain times, anxiety, and adapting to body and emotional changes.

Catarina told us why she thinks young people's support groups are important: “Support groups like this are designed in a way to be a safe, practical, and youth-centered space to understand stress, build coping skills, strengthen communication, and reconnect with values and identity. It is designed to be accessible, flexible, and directly relevant to the realities of chronic illness."