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At Bradford Cancer Support we are committed to offering a
range of practical, social and emotional support, all free of charge to people whose lives have been affected by cancer in the Bradford Metropolitan District of West Yorkshire
OUR SERVICES
Support
We can offer you support by listening to your individual needs
and discussing the options available to you.
We work closely with other organisations, health professionals
and bodies so we can enable you to have the choice of the widest range of services available to you.
You can call into the centre or telephone and speak to a member
of staff to who are always there to help. Alternatively, please click on the e-mail link below to contact us
Welfare Benefits
Illness is always costly. It is far more difficult for someone who is
ill to manage financially than someone who is fit and well, even if their in come is the same.
Yet it often happens that the person who is ill has to manage on
a much lower income. Because of the wide range of benefits available, people find it difficult to work their way through the complicated system and as a result, fail to claim the benefits to which they are entitled, often at a considerable loss.
Our advisors can help you and your family claim the statutory
benefits designed for you and can also point to other sources of help from the Local Authority, Health Trusts and national and local funds. They can also advise on many other issues including debt, employment and legal matters, and will see you in your home, in the hospital and at the centre, or advise over the telephone.
For further information please call Bradford (01274) 777711
or e-mail us at benefits@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk
Counselling
What is counselling?
Counselling offers you an opportunity to speak in confidence to
someone about matters that may be worrying or distressing. Often painful feelings can be relieved by telling someone else and knowing that you have been heard and understood. It provides an opportunity to look at your concerns and consider different options open to you. It can help you manage change in your life.
Who is counselling for?
We are able to see people who are affected by cancer in any
way. These include patients, relatives, carers and people who have been bereaved. We will be respectful and sensitive towards ethnic cultural, religious and individual differences.
For further information please contact Alison or Debbie on
Bradford (01274) 776688 or e-mail us at support@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk
Transport
Appointments that just have to be kept can be difficult if you
have no means of getting there. Our team of reliable volunteer drivers, using their own vehicles and giving their time willingly, are committed to getting you to your required destination. Our transport service is provided to assist people who have difficulty using public transport and do not have access to a car. Whilst our priority is to patients, we also support relatives and carers. Our aim is to provide a quality service and to take the worry out of getting to appointments on time. We must stress, however, that it is not an alternative taxi service, but a service for those whose illness creates a problem in using other means of transport.
For eligibility and further information, please contact Alison
or Debbie on Bradford (01274) 776688 or e-mail us at support@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk
Groups
UMEED - Asian Womens' Support Group
A welcoming group of Asian women who have cancer and who
meet to give each other support.
A number of Asian languages are spoken by group members.
Some of them speak English and are also happy to interpret for those who wish to join. The group are keen to improve their general health and have participated in exercise programs. They have undertaken art and textile work and enjoy trips to places of interest as well as holding an occasional fund raising event
Above and Below the Belt - Mens Support Group
A mens group that meets every second Wednesday evening
providing a chance to listen to a variety of speakers and to give mutual support and understanding for fellow cancer patients and carers
Bosom Friends (afternoons)
To know that life can go back to normal after a cancer diagnosis
is very encouraging. Bosom Friends meet every Wednesday afternoon for mutual support and understanding, information and a programme of interesting events and speakers.
The group has the support and involvement of the Specialist
Breast Care Nurse Service. This was originally a breast care self help group. Members are now aware that women with other less common cancers also have support needs and all women diagnosed with cancer are welcome.
Bosom Friends (evenings)
This group of Bosom Friends caters for women who cannot
attend a support group during the day due to work, family or other commitments and circumstances
This group meets in the evenings and also offers support to
partners of women who have cancer
Focus on Life
A support group for men and women of working age meeting on
the first Thursday morning of each month. Speakers and discussion about everyday issues relating to living with cancer. Partners and carers welcome
For further information on any of the groups please call
Bradford (01274) 776688 or e-mail support@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk
Fundraising
Our various sources of funding do not meet our revenue costs. A
sizable proportion of this cost has to be raised through fundraising events for which practical help is always needed.
We would be very pleased to hear from anyone wishing to be
involved in supporting any of the following fundraising activities; raffles/tombolas, promotions or the organisation of sponsored events, setting up, fundraising committees etc.
New Interests
Cancer can become the sole and central focus of a person's life.
The need to have a diversion can be very important in getting life back into perspective. We offer a range of art and craft activities. The purpose is to help participants to gain a sense of pleasure, satisfaction and achievement. Although no previous skill is necessary and there is no expectation that works of art will be produced, some people discover abilities that they didn't realise they had. This in itself is extremely therapeutic.
Creative Art classes include:
Watercolour painting - Pottery - Pastels - Silk and Glass Painting
Other activities are also available from time to time
Even if you are not feeling very well, mixing with others and
joining in restful activity can help divert the mind from pain, nausea or fatigue.
Previous experience is not necessary. Talent is an added extra.
Willingness to 'have a go' is all you need
To register for any of our classes, please telephone
Bradford (01274 ) 776688 and ask for Alison or Debbie or e- mail us at support@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk
Cancer Information Centre
The Cancer Information Centre is situated within Bradford
Royal Infirmary, it has been developed in partnership between Bradford
Cancer Support and Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust. The service
provides access to information about diagnosis, treatment and
care.
It also puts people in touch with practical, emotional and social
support free of charge to clients
What we can offer
A relaxed environment with trained staff and volunteers to
discuss your needs and concerns confidentially.
Information on cancer and related topics.
Someone to talk to.
Details of other support organisations.
Drop-in Service
We offer help and support to anyone who is affected by or
concerned about cancer, including families and carers.
There is no need to make an appointment. The Cancer
Information Centre is situated within the main entrance of Bradford Royal Infirmary.
You can drop in during our opening hours without having to make
an appointment. We are open Monday to Friday between 10 am and 4 pm and Wednesday evening between 4 pm and 8 pm
Don't worry if you can't get to us, you can contact us by phone
or e-mail. You do not have to make a special journey.
Our Team
The Cancer Information Centre is staffed by an Information Co-
ordinator and trained volunteers.
Our resource room has a wide range of leaflets, books, videos
and audio tapes on different topics. We also offer access to the internet
You are free to use the facilities at your own pace, but if you
need guidance one of the staff or volunteers will be pleased to help.
We can also help you to access
Benefits Advice
Complementary Therapies
Transport
Counselling
Support and Creative Groups
Travel Information
For bus and rail travel information please contact MetroLine on
0113 245 7676.
Opening hours
Our drop-in service is open from 10 am - 4 pm Monday to Friday
and 4 pm to 8 pm Wednesday.
General enquiries
For telephone enquiries the hours are as above. Please call
01274 364307
Our Address
Cancer Information Centre
Main Entrance
Bradford Royal Infirmary
Duckworth Lane
Bradford BD9 6RJ
For further information or to contact the Cancer Information
Centre, please call Bradford (01274) 364307 or e-mail cancer.information@bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk
Complementary Therapies
Our Complementary Therapies are provided by fully qualified
trained volunteers. All appointments arranged are a valuable resource to the centre. If for any reason you have made an appointment and cannot attend, please inform us as soon as possible
What is Complementary Therapy?
Complementary Therapy refers to non-medical treatments and
used alongside conventional medicine to enhance symptom control and improve quality of life.
Who may benefit?
If you are living with a diagnosis of cancer it may help to express
your feelings and relax in a quiet, confidential setting whilst benefiting from a gentle form of therapy to suit your individual needs.
Anxiety, pain and side effects of treatment can be eased to
enable you to cope better with your illness.
If you are a relative, carer or have been bereaved you may
benefit form a course of sessions to enable you to give time to yourself, discuss your situation and re-energise allowing you to cope with the stresses associated with caring for someone with cancer.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the controlled use of essential oils to promote
physical, psychological and emotional wellbeing. Treatments are usually offered in the form of a gentle massage after a holistic assessment by your therapist. Warm towels, soft music and gentle touch can prove very therapeutic in themselves. the safe use of oils and simple massage techniques can be taught for use at home.
Reflexology
This is a specialised form of foot massage working on the areas
of the feet to promote relaxation, relieve stress and tension by stimulating the body's own healing mechanism.
It is a safe, simple and effective therapy suitable for anyone,
which can be performed whilst sitting in a chair or lying down on a couch and simply removing your shoes whilst the therapist begins work on your feet.
Indian Head Massage
A massage technique which works on the shoulders, arms, neck,
scalp and face.
It can help ease tension, headaches, migraine and stress. This
therapy can be performed with or without the use of essential oils.
Reiki
Reiki is a system of 'hands-on' therapy that works to harmonise
and balance all aspects of your well-being; physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually thus promoting the body's own natural healing process.
Patients and carers can both benefit from the relaxing and re-
energising effects of this gentle therapy.
During a session you will be made comfortable (sitting or lying
down) whilst relaxing music is played in the background. Remaining fully clothed whilst the therapist places her hands very gently just on or off the body in a series of positions from head to feet.
A feeling of 'safety and warmth' is often how recipients describe
the sensation.
Massage
Massage is one of the oldest therapies in existence and can
relieve pain, promote physical and mental relaxation and stimulate to body's vital energy to encourage circulation and lymphatic flow.
The therapist will adapt the techniques used to suit your
individual needs after the initial consultation.
Relaxation and Movement
This is a quiet, informal group session in which simple ways of
relaxing the body through movement and stillness are taught using Tai Chi. Those under enormous stress of cancer, in themselves, or those close to them, may welcome this opportunity to mobilise and enjoy their inner capacity for calm.
Our Therapists
The Complementary Therapists are all qualified in their
respective therapies and registered with recognised professional bodies. They receive ongoing education and supervision within the Centre and have a special interest in working with cancer patients
Home Visits
Where patients are too sick to travel, arrangements can be
made for some therapies to be delivered in the home
Referrals
Clients may contact the Centre directly of be referred by
relatives, carers and health professionals. The General Practitioner and Consultant, where appropriate, will be informed of each individual referral thus enabling us to provide an integrated and informed service
Information Technology
An opportunity for patients and their partners or carers, if they
wish, to either learn new skills or develop exisiting computer skills in the ever developing field of Information Technology. The sessions are informal and hopefully relaxing and no prior knowledge is required. Members of the group quickly develop the confidence and new skills required to master word processing, desk top publishing etc. and gain a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure at what they can achieve.
For further information please call Bradford (01274) 776688
or e-mail us at support@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk
Hat Tricks
Bradford Cancer Support are now offering a free service called
Hat Tricks
to cancer patients who are experiencing, or who may experience
hair loss due to cancer treatments. Our volunteers can help and advise you on innovative ways of wearing hats, scarves, headbands and turbans that will suit any occasion.
We also have a small stock of Cloche Hats, Turbans, Scarves
and Headbands all for sale at cost price.
All our scarves are made from materials that are gentle on the
scalp and do not slip. For a free and confidential consultation at the centre please call Debbie on (01274) 776688 for details or e-mail us at support@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk <mailto:support@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk>
User Forum
What is The Forum?
The Forum was established in March 2001 as a result of the
Community Development Programme here at Bradford Cancer Support. Many of the users of the centre were expressing concerns over some of the cancer services that they were receiving. User Involvement is now high on the political agenda and is included in the governments NHS Cancer Plan 2000. It was therefore a natural step to develop the service users forum. Users can now express their views on services in the public private and voluntary sectors in a number of ways such as, attending the forums monthly meetings, responding to letters and/or phone calls, sitting on various local panels or by representing the forum at regional and national levels.
Training is available and "CancerVOICES offers a free two day
training course which is open to cancer self help and support groups, user representatives and health professionals, to help them to understand and participate in meetings and express the patient, carer or professional viewpoint. A number of our forum members have taken part in this training.
The training looks at key aspects of user involvement such as
confidence building, partnership working, understanding the NHS and making and presenting the case for change. The training is interactive and flexible and can be designed to meet the needs of individuals.
The Forum also has regular meetings with Health professionals
when forum members wish to discuss issues with them directly relating to services. A good partnership has developed through these meetings and the health professionals have welcomed the views of the forum members.
Forum members are made up of Cancer Patients, Carers, Ex-
Patients, Ex-Carers and volunteers at Bradford Cancer Support Centre.
Some of the Forum's Current Activity
User Involvement is buzzing away here at Bradford Cancer
Support our Patient/Carer Forum has been established now for over 2 years. We have members involved in lots of projects, some of these are:
Pursuing Perfection Programme Looking at improving patient
pathways through NHS services
Cancer Nurse Specialist Sub-Group looking at ways to
involve service users
Personal Experiences
I was a patient on the ward 6 years ago. The kindness shown by
the nurses and doctors was wonderful, nothing was too much trouble. For instance, the nurse in charge allowed us to stay up with one lady who had to go down to the theatre late in the evening to correct one of her drainage tubes. She was worried and anxious about it. When she came back very late we were able to have a cup of tea with her and give her a bit of moral support.
The oncologist made everyone feel so special. You felt he really
cared about what had happened to you. The Breast Specialist Nurse told me about Bosom Friends support group and also the fashion show. That really boosts your morale and gives you a lot of confidence. I have done four fashion shows now.
One "Umeed" member's experience
"I am a member of the Umeed Group which meets here once a
week. Umeed is a self help group for Asian women who have or have had cancer. Umeed is so important to us, we can get together and talk about our experiences, we can help each other, laugh with each other and know that everyone in the group understands. All the women look forward to coming to the Centre each Wednesday. There are so many services, Transport, Benefits Advice, Counselling, Aromatherapy, English Classes and Computer Skills, we are happy with all of these.
A Carers Experience
...even before Chris was ill, I had been looking after two aunts
suffering from cancer, plus my mother who had the onset of senile dementia, plus I was working. And I have my own health problems too. The cancer patient may not be the only person that a carer is looking after. Carers do need help and support. Whatever happened to the Almoner?
There used to be a time when you talked to a person who would
look into help for patients.
During the visits to outpatients I saw the leaflets for Bradford
Cancer Support and I will always be indebted to them for the great benefits they gave us in many ways. Camilla arranged all our benefits which we didn't know we were entitled to. Steve taught us painting which is a miracle as I have difficulty drawing a straight line. Chris wanted to join the class as soon as he saw my first painting as he was amazed. Our house is like the Tate Gallery!
Lynn introduced me to aromatherapy and during Chris's illness I
was able to practise on him. I used to massage his feet while he was home and in hospital and it used to relax him and send him to sleep. I trained at college for a year and passed with credits.
I have made many friends, some I know that will always be in my
life and I thank you all for being here to help. Every doctor's surgery and hospital should be made aware of the good work the support centre is doing for cancer patients, and their carers and allow a representative from the centre to inform their patients.
A Member of the Art Class
I've had a lot of support from here. A lady came to see me from
the Centre to help with claiming benefits. She mentioned the art class and asked if I would be interested in attending. I finally decided to give it a try. When I first met the art tutor, well....my life was changed.
At home there's just me and the wife and we don't talk about the
cancer very much. Here you can talk to other people and they are in the same boat. The art tutor is great, you can talk to him about anything. I never imagined I'd be able to paint. The welfare benefits advice here is very important too.
Fundraising
Making Donations
Pledging a donation now would help towards maintaining the
level of support already given to people living with cancer and to support future generations. There are many other ways for you to give financial support to Bradford Cancer Support. You could make;
A one off Gift Aid donation
Regular monthly Direct Debit donation
Weekly/monthly donations from your pay through Give as You
Earn Scheme
A donation in lieu of flowers/in memory of
Legacies - leaving a legacy to us would make a vital
contribution to help secure the future of cancer support in our area
If you are interested in helping with any of the above, then
please contact Linda Enderby on (01274) 776688, ask for her at reception, or e-mail us at fundraising@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk <mailto:fundraising@bradfordcancersupport.org.uk>
Lottery
Have you or your friends and family signed up to the lottery yet?
In exchange for £52 a year - £1 a week - you get 260 chances to win up to £10,000. Plus if you sign up 10 lines or more you get a free mini cruise to Spain. It's a great way to support the centre and be a winner too.The great thing about The Bradford Cancer Support Lottery is that you don't share a jackpot. If you Match 6 numbers you get £10,000, if anyone else has the same numbers as you they also get £10,000. This is possible because we've joined with other Charities, Sporting Clubs, Schools, and Societies, with all the prize money held in trust. The prizes are guaranteed by Lloyds of London.
A simple form allows you to choose 6 numbers between 0-9 for a
line. Each line costs £1 a week; you can have up to 3 lines a week. Each line is entered into a daily draw Monday to Friday, therefore you get five chances a week for your £1
How are the numbers drawn?
The winning numbers are obtained by taking the last digit of the
temperature in Fahrenheit, in six world cities, Corfu, Istanbul, Tenerife, Innsbruck, Edinburgh and Stockholm as reported each day Monday to Friday in The Daily Telegraph or by calling 0113 275 0002
Match 3 numbers and win £2
Match 4 numbers and win £20
Match 5 Numbers and win £200
Match 6 Numbers and win £10,000!!
35% of the funding goes directly to Bradford Cancer Support,
45% goes to the provision of prizes and the insurance premium, which covers the £200 and £10,000, wins.
It is simple, there's no hidden catch, and costs as little as 20
pence per day to enter with a convenient monthly standing order mandate - meaning no last minute dashes to the newsagents!
You don't even have to check the numbers yourself as you're
notified automatically when you're a winner! If you want to check your numbers then you can in the Daily Telegraph or by ringing 0113 275 0002.
To summarise:
It only costs £1 per week
You have the chance to win £10,000 every day, Monday to
Friday
Three correct numbers wins you £2
Four numbers wins £20
Five numbers wins £200
Six numbers wins £10,000
Winners are notified automatically by post
All the prize money is guaranteed
No collectors are asking for money every week; everything is
sorted out by Standing
Order at £4.34 per calendar month per line (52 weeks a year at
£1 % 12 months)
Entry is open to everyone over 16
The Bradford Cancer Support Lottery Rules
Send a stamped addressed envelope to Rules Request, Lottery
Service Providers, 24 St. Michaels Rd, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3AW, for a copy of the full version of rules applying to the lottery. Some of the main points covered by the Rules are as follows:
Applications must be from players aged 16 years or over.
The Promoter will endeavour to conduct the lottery on every
qualifying day. A qualifying day is any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or any other day which precedes a day on which the Promoter's selected newspaper is not published. The selected newspaper shall be 'The Daily Telegraph', or other such newspaper as the Promoter may select from time to time.
The Promoter will check the temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit
as published in the selected newspaper on the day immediately following the day of each lottery. The winning numbers for each lottery shall be the last published digit from the highest temperatures for each relevant city (being one of the six cities - or other locations - printed on the application forms).
The winning numbers for each days lottery shall be based on the
last digit of the highest temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (FO) for the locations Corfu, Istanbul, Tenerife, Innsbruck, Edinburgh and Stockholm as published in the Daily Telegraph every day Monday to Friday inclusive (or as decided by the Promoter).Prizes for each lottery are as printed in The Great Weather Lottery form or leaflet in current issues. There are no alternatives for any prize and no interest is payable. Limited to one prize is dependent on players having complied with the Full Rules. Prizes will be sent as cheques (or as the Promoter otherwise elects) within 28 days.
The Lottery is not responsible for any delay with bank payments.
No liability is accepted for the loss, theft or delayed receipt of
any communication sent by post.
The Promoter's decisions made pursuant to the Rules shall,
once made, be final and binding.
Save where the Rules expressly provide otherwise, the
Promoter shall not be obliged to respond to or enter into any correspondence
The lottery is promoted by the promoter and conducted for the
benefit of the Society. The Society, through the Promoter, is solely responsible for the promotion and management of the Society's The Great Weather Game lotteries. The Great Numbers Game Limited, the lottery services provider as agent of the Promoter and the Society, is not services provider as agent of The Promoter and the Society, is not itself a promoter or manager. Please post all enquiries relating to The Great Weather Game (together with an SAE to The Promoter c/o The Great Numbers Game Limited The Embankment, Leeds, LS1 4BA
How to Find Us
Travel Information - For bus and rail travel information
please contact
MetroLine on 0113 245 7676
We are on the opposite side of the road to Gate 3 entrance
(Duke of York entrance) to Bradford Royal Infirmary in Daisy Bank on Duckworth Lane, Bradford
About Us
Bradford Cancer Support aims to make a difference to the lives
of patients, their families and carers.
As an Independant charity we will:
Provide a range of services which are readily accessible and
free of charge to all
individuals;
Complement the care provided by others;
Continually listen and respond to the needs of our clients;
Share best practice and so develop end enhance our services
appropriately;
Recognise and develop the skills and potential of all our people.
We aim to make a difference
Our opening hours are Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm
Bradford Cancer Support
Daisy Bank
109 Duckworth Lane
Bradford
BD9 6RN
Tel (01274) 776688
Welfare Benefits (01274) 777711
Fax (01274) 775666
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