Blackpool Victoria Hospital launches new Cancer Buddy volunteer project

 

A new cancer project has been launched at Blackpool’s Windmill Unit.

The ‘Cancer Buddy’ scheme aims to provide one to one patient to patient support, offering the opportunity for people to speak to someone who has been through a similar cancer experience.

Based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, the Cancer Buddy will be a volunteer with personal cancer experience to provide support to other patients.

The project’s lead, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Officer Kerrie Newsham, said: “We have recently expanded our support team which means we can now offer an extra service.

“People affected by cancer, including people with cancer, often say it helps to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience.

“Although we do offer various support groups, not everyone is comfortable being in a group, so it is great to be able to offer this additional service.’’

The peer support will complement the professional health services already on offer to patients. The Buddies will meet current patients wherever is convenient around Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Kerrie is aiming to recruit a team of 20 people in the roles.

Kerrie added: “The befriender will benefit from being able to ‘give something back’ and the befriendee will be really understood by someone who has been on a similar journey.

“I’m really excited to be leading on this project. The Buddies can offer something we can’t and by working together, this service will benefit everyone involved.”

To apply for this volunteer role, please contact Kerrie Newsham, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Officer on 01253 955710.

Please note this role is open to over 18s only.

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