From Support & Information Days held in hospitals to Virtual Cuppas, our Support & Information Service has had to change because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We adapted and we did it quickly, to ensure the bone cancer community continued to get the support they needed, when they needed it. As a result, we are supporting more people than ever before.
Louise Kirby, Support Manager at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said:
We very quickly realised the service had to change. As patients and their families faced uncertain and worrying times, we listened to their needs and adapted. The reality was that our previous ways of providing support were not possible, but that was not going to stop us. The service evolved and as a result, we’ve been there more than ever. We’ve even supported patients virtually who have been on a hospital ward.
When the national lockdown was announced, our Support & Information Service experienced an increase of 64% and we have gone on to see a further 82% increase in the level of enquiries from the bone cancer community at certain times throughout the pandemic.
Joanne Wright, Support Executive at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said:
2020 has brought a unique set of challenges to the Support & Information Service. By moving our support groups online and hosting a series of webinars, we have been able to continue keeping our community supported and informed, which is vitally important.
What do our supporters think about the Support & Information Service?
We have been overwhelmed by the positive comments and feedback from our community. Here are just two examples:
My family is experiencing the worst nightmare imaginable, but Joanne and Louise have been a life saver with their support. We are far from through this dreadful experience, but I know that they are there for us no matter what. We shall be forever grateful. Thank you.
– A family member of a loved one.
I cannot express how fantastic this support is. The team were extremely knowledgeable & supportive and could not have been more helpful.
– Concerned member of the public about symptoms they were experiencing
Below are some more comments from our community who have benefited from our Support & Information Service:
What is the Support & Information Service currently offering?
We can’t wait to start meeting bone cancer patients and their family and friends again face-to-face, but at the moment this is still not possible. As we continue to face uncertain times, we are still here for our community in many different ways. Below is what the service currently offers but if you have any new ideas, we are always open to new suggestions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Virtual Cuppa and Evening Cuppa
Our Virtual Cuppas and Evening Cuppas are friendly and informal virtual support groups, held every Tuesday from 1-2pm (Virtual Cuppa) and on the last Tuesday of every month from 7:30-8:30pm (Evening Cuppa) via Zoom. The group is for current and former patients and their families. You can ask questions, get advice, connect with others and just have a chat. For more information and to sign up, click below.
Virtual and Evening CuppaTeenage Young Adult Social
Our Teenage Young Adult Group is for 16-30 years-old who have experienced a primary bone cancer or bone tumour diagnosis. It is held quarterly on the first Tuesday of the month from 7:30-8:30pm (2nd March, 1st June, 7th September, 7th December 2021). . It’s an informal hour of relaxed conversation and there will be no pressure for you to join with your video if you do not want to. For more information and to sign up, click below.
Virtual Storytime
Virtual Storytime is held in collaboration with Henry Dancer Days, to bring children between 5 and 11-years old a world of imagination as part of our friendly community. Henry Dancer Days' hugely successful, 'Storytelling Project' which usually takes place in 7 children's cancer hospitals in the UK, is going virtual with us. Take time out as a family to escape the everyday hustle and bustle and be told magical stories. For more information and to sign up, click below.
Virtual StorytimeSupport & Information Webinars
Our webinars are designed to support and help those facing a primary bone cancer journey and beyond. Each virtual webinar has a different theme. We’ve already covered topics such as late effects, fertility, nutrition and proton beam therapy. To watch previous webinars or to find out more about what we have planned, click below.
Virtual webinarsDigital Support Groups
Our Digital Support Groups on Facebook offer a safe online place where people affected by primary bone cancer can connect. Our Groups enable you to share your experiences, access support and connect with the bone cancer community. We have created eight groups for each primary bone cancer and primary bone tumour. If you would like to join one of our groups, please click below.
Digital Support GroupSupport & Information Line
If you would prefer to contact us directly and privately, we are here for you. We have a dedicated Support & Information Line for anyone who may be coping with or dealing with primary bone cancer. The details for getting in touch are listed below.
- Call: 0800 111 4855
- Visit: bcrt.org.uk/support
- Email: support@bcrt.org.uk