The teenage years are vitally important for those with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Shine’s work with teens focuses on promoting understanding that looking after themselves can help to prevent life-threatening health complications as they get older. Shine engages with teenage members through social opportunities and social media, providing information and advice. Our aim is to increase young people’s awareness of how their condition(s) can affect them, help them deal with any resultant challenges and put plans in place to help them achieve their dreams – just like any other teenager. Our teenage support programme covers a wide a range of support for young people and their families/carers, including advice on daily routine, making friends, self-advocacy, homework and effective communication with schools. We also provide tips and advice for teachers on learning environment strategies for those with hydrocephalus. 

It is vital that we reach young people where they are in order to help prevent life-threatening health complications developing as they age. Your donation would enable our current programme to continue and help us plan a much-needed expansion in our services for teens.