Resources for Online support and activities for AYAs during COVID-19
National Orgs doing cool online things:
- Twist Out Cancer’s Jacqueline Carmody will be offering weekly Twistshops ( art therapy workshops) every Tuesday from 1:00-2:00 CST. These workshops are free and open to the public. To secure your spot please register on their website.
- Free Drop-In Online Mindfulness Meditation Classes: TNT had been planning on rolling out free, drop-in video conference-based mindfulness classes starting the first week of April, and now due to social distancing, the timing couldn’t be better. Classes will be taught by some of TNT’s amazing mindfulness guides who lead our treks out in the wilderness. Classes will take place on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month from 7:30-8:30pm EST. You can learn more about them and register here:
- If you go nowhere else, visit their awesome summary of COVID resources – drop the mike
- They have stories written by AYA survivors about dealing with COVID-19 that will help you feel “me too”!
- This has always been the motherlode of online support specifically for AYAs. They have game nights, book clubs, creative arts workshops, meditation groups and more!
- Their next Young Adult Cancer Hangout is April 14th; you can signup here
- Their next writing workshop starts next week too!
- Here is a recent 7 minute online meditation they shared
Stupid Cancer:
- This national AYA support organization always hosts digital hang out sessions- needed now more than ever! https://stupidcancer.org/meetups/ Here are the next couple ones:
- Digital Meetup- Self Care Sunday Sunday, April 5th at 3 pm Eastern / 12 pm Pacific. Join community member Lacy Pluskwik for a chat about your self care routines. Learn from your peers and share your favorite habits and tips!
- Digital Meetup- Craft and Chat Thursday, April 9th at 9 pm Eastern / 6 pm Pacific. Join community member Emily Ward for an evening of conversation and crafting! Grab your current project (or take this time to start a new one!) and log on to hang out with your peers.
- They also have webinars that folks may find helpful: https://stupidcancer.org/webinars/
- The next live one is Mindfulness When Our Minds are Full Thursday, April 16 at 3:00 pm EST with speaker David Victorson, PhD.
- Many people are aware that mindfulness meditation can be a positive health behavior for AYAs affected by cancer, but most think it just leads to greater attentional focus. This webinar will blend skill-building practices with insights from scientific research to highlight some of the other benefits of mindfulness meditation, such as increased gratitude, empathy, and self-compassion.
- Several previously recorded ones are great resources:
- The next live one is Mindfulness When Our Minds are Full Thursday, April 16 at 3:00 pm EST with speaker David Victorson, PhD.
- This national organization offers counseling, support groups, education, and financial assistance to cancer patients.
- They have always hosted Young Adult On treatment, YA Survivor, and YA Caregiver online support groups and now would be a great time to join.
- And they do also offer limited, short-term counseling services via the phone
- They have a great landing site for resources during COVID here
Sephora Brave Beauty Classes Online (Youtube) –
- All done by Sephora Beauty Experts who are also cancer survivors. Please consult with a healthcare provider before utilizing any of the featured products.
Local orgs going virtual:
FitSteps at UNTHSC Fort Worth
- Free online workouts with Tony. Although currently closed to in-person appointments, Tony is sharing his workouts online. This a free gym/personal trainer for oncology patients with modifications for all levels of fitness/capabilities included that’s set up by appointment after you register and get doctor clearance.
APPS – Never been a better time!
- Gryt Health’s social connection app provides instant, anonymous peer support and tailored information to anyone affected by cancer including patients, survivors, caregivers, friends, family, medical professionals, researchers, and advocates. Users complete a profile and are matched with peers based on self-selected criteria or can participate in unstructured, moderated group chats. During this time of social distancing and unease this could help others feel connected. https://grythealth.com/the-app
- Calm is an app for sleep, relaxation and meditation. It has guided meditations, stories, lessons, nature scenes and sounds, calming music and more. A few options are available for free and they have some great free resources like workbooks, journals and calendars www.calm.com
- Always a great resource, this app, which can also be used online, has yoga, HIIT, Barre and 7 minute workouts – you get to select your time, level, focus, voice, and music, and Down Dog creates a unique, personalized practice that is different every time! They are currently making the app completely free until May 1st for all, and until July 1st for students, teachers and healthcare professionals. https://www.downdogapp.com/
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