Applying systems thinking approaches to promote the psychosocial well-being of children and young people with cancer and their families.

This presentation outlines the development of the North Star Cancer Collective, a collaboration of UK charities applying systems thinking to improve the psychosocial well-being of children and young people with cancer and their families. Emerging from partnerships in service delivery, the initiative evolved into a collective impact model grounded in shared evidence, lived experience, and a common vision for systemic change. The collective emphasises cross-organizational collaboration, equity, and inclusion, seeking to move beyond siloed services toward integrated support shaped by the voices of children and young people with cancer, and their families. Early work has focused on defining system boundaries, building a shared language, and identifying mental health as a priority area. Through research, open engagement, and iterative learning, the collective aims to shift structures, relationships, and mental models across the cancer care system, fostering long-term, systemic improvements in psychosocial support.