A Swindon-based pilot to pair patients receiving cancer treatment with individuals who have had personal experience of the disease is set to launch this month, with plans to expand to other illnesses.
The Cancer Buddies initiative is the handiwork of Michelle Taylor and Lauren McClelland, Macmillan Personalised Care CNSs, and despite its infancy is already looking to expand to other chronic illnesses.
Speaking of the scheme, Michelle shared the difference the team hoped the scheme would make to those affected by cancer.
She said: “We launched Cancer Buddies to connect those who have had a personal experience of cancer with people receiving treatment. Therefore, would be a great fit for other chronic illnesses such as dementia.”
“Our Cancer Buddies are individuals who have had a personal diagnosis themselves or experienced caring for someone suffering from the disease within the last five years. Their main role will be to support and signpost people receiving treatment to services. Even if it is just for a cuppa and a chat during treatment. The volunteers themselves have attended various training on how to facilitate difficult conversations as well as health and wellbeing.”
Lisa Utting, Volunteer Services, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “The last two years with the pandemic have put a spotlight on the isolation of treatment for a long-term illness. Many people either do not have someone they can talk to or don’t want to burden loved ones. It is our hope that speaking to someone with lived experience will help.
“It has been a real pleasure working in partnership with Michelle and Lauren. Our experience has prompted us to look at ways we can expand the scheme beyond that of cancer and engage our volunteers.”
Speaking of the appointed volunteers, Michelle highlighted the importance of making the right match between patient and cancer buddy, she said: “ We are fortunate enough to have a diverse mix of ages in the group from the youngest in their 20’s edging up to and including those of retirement age.”
Gina Banks, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, shared her reasons for becoming a cancer buddy.
She said: “I was made redundant a couple of years ago. I was keen to do some volunteering. However, until the Cancer Buddies scheme, I hadn’t found the right opportunity. It sounds cliché, but I received such wonderful treatment from the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust that I was keen to give something back.”
“The support and training we have received; is more than I could have imagined. We are so lucky it is a great group. I know the next few months will be a challenge. I am quite nervous and apprehensive, but I think that will only improve the service.”
Lisa Cheek, Chief Nurse, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a really positive initiative for the Trust and one that will no doubt help hundreds of patients who come through our doors every year. To have that additional support and a listening ear at a time that can be quite distressing is really important for our patients and their families, and my thanks go to everyone who has helped to make this new, and very important role, happen.”
Speaking of the lead-up to the Cancer Buddies launch this month, Michelle added: “Our main challenge was ensuring that we matched the right buddy with the individual. We have provided the buddies with uniforms so that they feel like part of our team.”
“However, this is a pilot scheme. We know there will be lots of learnings on both sides because of that our volunteers have received a full complement of training and will have full access to support as well as regular check-ins with professionals.”
Those wishing to find out more about The Cancer Buddies scheme, can contact The Personalised Care Team – at [email protected]
For comprehensive cancer information and support, individuals can visit www.macmillan.org.uk.
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