Building a better future for children and young people with cancer, and their families. Together.

What is the North Star Cancer Collective?

The North Star Cancer Collective brings together people and organisations to improve cancer care for children, young people and their families.  

Guided by evidence and our North Star Vision, we work across the system—not just within individual organisations—to create a better future. 

This collaboration is led by five charities: Alike, CCLG: The Children and Young People’s Cancer Association, Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, Shine Cancer Support and Young Lives vs Cancer.  

Why we exist:

In 2022, four charities commissioned independent research into the needs and experiences of young people with cancer and their families.

From this came our North Star Vision - a unifying ambition for what cancer care should look like.

The research revealed gaps and inequities that affect every part of a young person’s life, often long after treatment ends. Change is possible, but only if we work together.

The North Star Cancer Collective exists to bring that vision to life—so every child and young person can live well during and beyond cancer. 

How we add value:

Collectively, we bring together things that no single organisation holds. We use these resources to create and support change in the system. We bring: 

• Connection to the majority of children and young people diagnosed with cancer in the UK 

• A unique, shared evidence base

• A particular focus on psychosocial impact and long-term wellbeing

• Policy influence at national level

• A commitment to community building and equity

Together, these enable us to prioritise, design, test and scale solutions that improve the psychosocial experience of cancer care and ensure change sticks.