‘Caring is at heart of our everyday and has never been so important’

Caring is at the heart of our everyday and has never been so important.
Weston Park Cancer Charity's 'we care' service offers regular support phone callsWeston Park Cancer Charity's 'we care' service offers regular support phone calls
Weston Park Cancer Charity's 'we care' service offers regular support phone calls

A cancer diagnosis followed by treatment is one of the most difficult experiences patients and those supporting them could ever go through.

Despite this bringing its own challenges, adding a global pandemic to the mix has resulted in a concoction of feelings such as isolation, anxiety and concern for the future, for many people.

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Our team of healthcare professionals at Weston Park Cancer Charity recognised this and, as a potential antidote, the ‘we care’ service was born – to care in every sense for people who need our help.

Emily Howarth, Weston Park Cancer Charity information and support radiographerEmily Howarth, Weston Park Cancer Charity information and support radiographer
Emily Howarth, Weston Park Cancer Charity information and support radiographer

This is especially important when so many people affected by cancer have been shielding.

We feel it is important to define each person by who they are as an individual, not by their cancer, so each call is tailored to the individual.

We can speak as frequently as you like and discuss anything and everything, from subjects such as side effects of treatment to help with food shopping, advice on shielding and even who they are planning on having over for a socially distanced cup of tea.

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We hope this brings about comfortable, confidential conversations, helping people feel more connected with the outside world.

The same applies to those supporting someone with a diagnosis.

It can be just as difficult for these people in the face of all the unique challenges Covid-19 presents.

Sometimes, the call gives that person the boost they need to be able to continue their support, knowing they have someone at the other end of the phone that cares.

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For those who have benefited from regular ‘we care’ calls already, many have expressed to the team it has been ‘something they look forward to all week’ and for others ‘a ray of sunshine when I am feeling low’.

We hope for others to be able to experience this too - so if you or someone you know would like to receive a friendly ‘we care’ call, ring our helpline on 0114 553 3330, Mondays-Fridays, 9am-5pm, and ask for a regular call – that is if we don’t suggest it before you do.

We are available to anyone affected by cancer, patients and those supporting them.

Our ‘we care’ service is just another way for us to be there for you, together at every step.

Emily Howarth is an information and support radiographer with Weston Park Cancer Charity, which supports Sheffield’s Weston Park Hospital