Donate
Beatson Cancer Charity is enhancing its services by offering much-needed patient care packs and offering an expanded befriending service to the most vulnerable patients who are self-isolating and shielding due to the pandemic.
The charity is one of 300 successful projects which has been awarded £65,000 from Scottish Government’s £50 million Wellbeing Fund which aims to provide vital support in communities across Scotland.
People undergoing cancer therapy are among those most vulnerable to COVID-19 due to compromised immunity and associated health issues. The needs of people affected by cancer across the west of Scotland are becoming more acute.
Many people are having their treatment plan disrupted and people shielding at home face additional challenges day-to-day, in accessing the essential products and services they need to maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. All of this is over and above the daily stress and strain which accompanies dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Like many other services, the Beatson Cancer Charity was forced to temporarily suspend some of its services throughout lockdown period.
We have refocussed the skills and experience of our team and now the charity is glad to report that they are hard at work preparing 500 patient care packs and have set up a befriending service which includes keeping in touch by phone to provide emotional and practical advice.
Gillian Hailstones, Director of Care Services said:
“Although we can’t see our patients in-person yet we’re still here to support them the best we can.”
“We have had to make significant changes to the way we operate. We are delighted to be in this position to offer these enhanced and extended services for patients going through treatment, helping to prevent heightened anxiety levels, lower social isolation and maintain stability during this time of their cancer journey.’
A weekly phone call or dropping off a few essential items can have a huge positive impact on people who may be self-isolating or shielding for health reasons. Some patients have lost their support network and can’t risk coming along to hospital.
Martin Cawley, CEO added:
“Our amazing staff and volunteers are delivering this with kindness. A huge thank you to the Scottish Government for enabling us to progress this work when it is much needed.”
“This funding has been so important. It has enabled our staff to reach out to patients providing mental health and wellbeing support, alongside other vital services, as we deal with this pandemic. I am glad we have been able to provide these lifelines at this hugely difficult time.”
How can you contact us?
Visit our befriending service page here
Email: befriending@beatsoncancercharity.org.
Call: 0141 212 0505
If you would like to support these new charity initiatives please make a donation here.
