csba_newsletter_april2011.pdf

We are a small, local, independent charity and last year we supported over 3,500 local cancer sufferers and their carers. One of the reasons we have been able to have such an impact and support such a fantastic number of people is thanks to our team of volunteers. Our volunteers support Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale and our service users in many different and distinct ways; some volunteer directly for a particular service – as drivers, therapists, counsellors and tutors, others support us as administrators, trustees and fundraisers, with a small team of ambassador fundraisers supporting and co-ordinating other fundraising volunteers.

There is an ever increasing demand for our support and advice services with 1 in 3 people now being diagnosed with cancer and we would be unable to meet this need without the support and dedication of our volunteers.
Our volunteers are inspirational whatever their role in the organisation. They freely give their time, energy and compassion to help those most in need and they make a real difference to the charity’s staff and service users. Many have been through the cancer journey themselves and now wish to support others in whatever way they can.

Your ideas and feedback are most welcome, so please do get in touch with me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Linda Howard
Director

The Apprentice – You’re Hired!

The Welfare Rights Team are now working in partnership with Sue Ryder at Manorlands to provide placements for Health and Social Careapprentices. The Project is designed to increase awareness in the Black Minority Ethnic community of the work that hospices and support services provide and to encourage working in the Health and Social Care
sector.

Fazarna Hussain is our first apprentice and she will be with us for 6 months. Fazarna is enjoying learning about how we support the services provided by Health Care professionals by helping people affected by cancer in a holistic and unique way.

Case Study - Janet FeatherCancer

Janet was diagnosed with Chronic Leukaemia in 2007 at the age of 55. ‘When I was first diagnosed I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. I just wanted to carry on with my normal life. I felt really vulnerable and isolated.
I’m a really positive person who loves to laugh but I felt like a lost soul,’ said Janet.  In the early stage of her illness Janet was helped by both the Welfare Rights and Information Teams at Cancer Support Bradford and Airedale. They advised her on benefit issues and provided information on concessionary parking whilst undergoing her chemotherapy treatment.

In January 2011 tests showed that Janet’s leukaemia had returned. Her brother was also diagnosed with Leukaemia around that time. The additional stress had a huge impact on the family. At this time Janet was near breaking point and found it difficult to sleep. Janet then contacted Cancer Support after being unable to cope alone. She met with Sarah from the Wellbeing Team, who listened to her story and together they agreed a plan of support. ‘Sarah helped me regain my perspective which I’d lost. To talk with a professional, someone who had an understanding of my issues
and the time to listen to me was great.

I started to go to the Body and Mind relaxation group and felt the benefits of that right away. After only 1 hour I felt I was getting back on the right road. I felt empowered and more in control. I even persuaded my brother to start coming with me. Now we are both benefiting and that is good for all of our family,’ said Janet.

To help Janet with her sleeplessness she was offered 6 sessions of Reiki over a period of 2 months. Janet said ‘I used to come out of the therapy feeling light. I would go in heavy but that would fade away, and now as a result I sleep really well. I have learned skills that I now use to help myself. At Cancer Support you will always get a warm welcome, a smile and a cup of tea’. Janet’s treatment is still on-going but she remains calm and very positive and knows Cancer Support are there to help her at her most vulnerable times.

Difference Making Volunteer
Alice Brown

Alice has been volunteering for Cancer Support since 2006. Week in week out Alice’s role makes a difference to the lives of our clients affected by cancer. Alice meets and greets people as they come into the Centre, makes them a cup of tea or coffee and lets staff know they have arrived. She is also a qualified ‘Extend’ tutor and leads a gentle exercise group which helps clients stay active. Alice is also an active member of our Craft Group helping them with creative projects. On top of all this she regularly helps with our Fundraising Team helping us raise the vital funds needed to support cancer patients and their families. Alice decided to volunteer after receiving support from us herself with her own cancer journey with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. ‘Whatever I do at Cancer Support it would not be enough to give back what they have given to me, ‘Alice said. Alice described the Support Centre as being ‘like a home’ to her where she could relax and talk about her illness without upsetting anybody. Her illness is now dormant but she continues to have check-ups every 6 months.

Alice’s family believe without Cancer Support she would have given up a long time ago and her work at the Centre always uplifts her and she goes home feeling much better.