Psychosocial program

Under the banner of the transformative initiative ‘Children and Young People Without Limits,’ our 11 monthly workshops have illuminated a profound journey spanning from September 2022 to July 2023. Each two-hour session, guided by the expertise of psychologist Jelena Vulić and pedagogist Katarina Jovčić—both seasoned psychotherapists—unveiled a tapestry of resilience, self-discovery, and positive outlook among the young participants.

Navigating the psychological and emotional complexities triggered by a cancer diagnosis and treatment proved to be a formidable challenge for these young souls. Yet, amidst adversity, our workshops emerged as sanctuaries—nine nestled within the welcoming walls of the Vračar youth center, and four amidst the serene embrace of Golija mountain during a summer camp.

Jelena Vulić and Katarina Jovčić, with their dual roles as psychotherapists and workshop facilitators, skillfully orchestrated a transformative experience. These gatherings became not just spaces for therapeutic exploration but nurturing grounds for building identity, enhancing psychological resilience, and fostering self-acceptance.

In the aftermath of cancer treatment, our young participants exhibited remarkable resilience, standing as living proof that challenges can be met with optimism and a forward-looking attitude. The workshops evolved into more than just sessions; they became pivotal milestones in the participants’ lives, helping them adapt to post-treatment existence with newfound strength and purpose.

As we reflect on the success of these workshops, it becomes evident that sustaining this momentum is imperative. The envisioned continuation in the form of psychological support groups, and potentially growing into peer support groups, holds promise for ongoing positive impact. These spaces serve as beacons of unwavering support, where shared experiences transform into a collective strength that transcends individual challenges.

Our broader goal extends beyond the workshop confines—we aspire to empower our young participants to recognize and confront emotional challenges arising from their health journey. By giving them a platform to speak up and advocate for their rights in the public sector, we catalyze a process of unconditional self-acceptance, self-actualization, and the development of constructive life skills. It is our fervent hope that these empowered voices will resonate far beyond the workshop setting, inspiring positive change in the lives of all young individuals navigating similar trials.

Children around the world have not been spared of malign diseases. Although, out of the total number of those battling cancer, children make up only 1%, cancer is among leading causes of death in children.

For 32 years, the association “Always with The Children” has been providing support to children and young people with malignant diseases and their families, aiming to enhance conditions for their quality treatment. Currently, Europe boasts over 500,000 survivors of childhood cancer, a testament to advancements in medical treatment and care over the last three decades.

Medical treatments have evolved, with 80% of children surviving cancer living five years or more post-treatment. However, the associated risks and unwanted effects persist, potentially continuing or emerging years after treatment cessation.

Effective communication with the medical team is crucial in preventing and managing these side effects. Furthermore, post-treatment survivor groups play a pivotal role in sharing information, identifying preventable consequences, and providing essential peer support.

The “Children and Youth Know No Boundaries” project is a pilot initiative aimed at establishing a survivor group for those who battled childhood cancer. The “Always with The Children” association envisions that every survivor can lead their life with the highest possible quality. The survivor group’s mission is to enhance survival quality and, consequently, the survivors’ lives.

To achieve these objectives, it is imperative to elevate relevant topics to the national level. Through collaboration, resource-sharing, and public advocacy, the survivor group will work towards changing public policies for every survivor in the Republic of Serbia.

The project envisages holding twelve workshops from September 2022 to September 2023. Following thorough evaluation, a strategic plan for the group’s future will be devised. The group aims to be a robust force, capable of influencing public policy through advocacy, ensuring that all survivors can lead lives of the highest quality.

The “Children Young People Without Limits” project is a significant step towards empowering childhood cancer survivors in Serbia. Through collaborative efforts, the survivor group seeks to create lasting changes in public policies, ensuring a better quality of life for every individual who has triumphed over childhood cancer.

Every year, approximately 350 children in Serbia get diagnosed with cancer. Out of the 350 children, significant number of children come from smaller towns and villages, and are required to access medical treatment in Belgrade, capital of Serbia.

Having to move to Belgrade for the duration of the treatment, most families encounter substantial challenges when it comes to securing appropriate accommodation. Escalating property prices have exacerbated the situation, making renting an apartment nearly insurmountable. Moreover, the income disparities between the capital and the outskirts of Serbia further complicate matters, making it impossible for families to afford accommodation near the Institute for Oncology and Radiology where the treatment is provided.

This financial strain can result in families not having the means to support their children in undergoing essential treatment, hence contributing to higher rates of treatment abandonment.

For the past three decades, the Association “Always with The Children” has been dedicated to offering support to young people grappling with malignant diseases. Recognizing this pressing need, the Association “Always with The Children” introduced the “Parents Corner” project in 2018 to provide suitable and free of cost accommodation for families in need.

One of our plans for the future is to buy an apartment that would be located near the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia. To fulfill our goal, we organize events in order to raise funds for the project.

While we work on the mission, we rented an apartment at Smiljanićeva 6/1/5. The apartment 104 m2 large and it is 10minute walk away from the Institute.  Children and parents can use this apartment free of charge for the duration of the treatment, and they can also access psychological support. Experience from other countries shows that having access to free accommodation greatly contributes to lower numbers of treatment abandonment, hence contributing to number of children who can undergo the required treatment.

Application form for the Parent’s corner can be found here. Please fill it in and send it to our email address at office@sadecom.org.rs. You can also see our permission for accessing Parent’s Corner, as well as our Service Contract.