A directory of resources to help people affected by a brain tumour
Edition 1: January 2017
the little
bookwhite
Aberdeen, The Highlandsand surrounding areas
ContentsNetworking 2
Psychological support 8
Support groups 14
Support for carers 20
Support for children 24
Support lines 28
Financial support 32
Complementary therapies 34
Holidays and short breaks 38
Welfare and legal advice 40
Transport services 44
Respite and end of life care 48
Bereavement support 52
What can brainstrust do to help? 56
Introduction 1
IntroductionWeknowhowlostyoucanfeelwhenyouoryourlovedoneisdiagnosedwithabraintumour.Butwealsoknowhowmanyinvaluablesupportservicesthereareavailablelocallythatcanhelpyouateverystepofyourbraintumourjourney.
Hereatbrainstrustwe’vebeenworkingtirelesslywiththehelpofourfantasticvolunteerssearchinghighandlowforuseful,localservicesforpeopleaffectedbyabraintumour.Thisdirectory,focusingonthecharitysector,includesinformationonsomeofthebestoftheseservicesinAberdeenandTheHighlands.Wehopeyoufindittobeanauthoritativeguideandthatithelpsyouaccesstheseresourcesinyourareaquicklyandwhenyoumostneedthem.
Wemaynothaveincludedeverythingherejustyet,butwehavebeenabletobringtogethermanysourcesofhelpthatwe’recomfortablewithandthatweregularlyrecommendtoourcommunity.Youcanfindthemostuptodateversionofthisinformation,andmoreonlineatwww.braintumourhub.org.uk
Thingschange.Newserviceswillpopup,andsomemaystopoperatingorchangetheirfocus,butwewillbereviewingtheinformationwithinthisdirectoryeveryyear.Ifthereareanyadditionalservicesthatyouwouldliketoseeinhere,pleasegetintouchwithuson01983 292 [email protected]
ThisguidewouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthesupportofTheRankFoundation,TheVeraWolstencroftChildrenandAnimalCharitableTrustandtheNationalLotterythroughtheBigLotteryFund.
Wehopeyoufindituseful.
From Carol and all the team at brainstrust
2 Networking Networking 3
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Cancer Support Drop-in
Maggie’sAberdeen
01224 645928 Maggie’sAberdeen,AberdeenRoyalInfirmary,ElizabethMontgomerieBuilding,WestburnRoad,Foresterhill,AberdeenAB25 2UZ
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-aberdeen/whats-on/
Thisdrop-inserviceoffersyouachancetohaveachatwithaCancerSupportSpecialistforanyquestionsorworriesyoumayhaveaboutcancer.Theexperiencedteamwilllistenandtoguideyoutotheinformationyouneed.Theserviceisavailable9amto5pmonweekdays.Alsoonofferarekid’sdays,talkingheadsworkshops,relaxationsessions,anexpressivewritinggroupandaqigongexerciseclass.
Inverness Cancer Support Drop-in
Maggie’sHighlands
01463 706306 RaigmoreHospital,OldPerthRoad,InvernessIV2 3FL
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-highlands/whats-on/
Thisdrop-inserviceoffersyouachancetochattoaCancerSupportSpecialistforanyquestionsorworriesyoumayhaveaboutcancer.Theexperiencedteamwilllistenandguideyoutotheinformationyouneed.Theserviceisavailable9amto5pmonweekdays.AlsoavailableareanumberofexercisesessionstailoredforcancerincludingTaChi,QiGong,yogaandaweeklywalkinggroup.
The essence of networking is to share experiential sympathy and understanding which can be beyond the scope of health care professionals. Networkingalsoallowsyoutomeetothersfromthewidercommunity–notjustthosewhotypicallyattendsupportgroups.Thesepeoplecanincluderesearchers,fundraisers,charityworkersandotherinterestedparties.
Itisimportanttobeawarethatwhilstnetworkingeventscanbeasourceofexcellentinformation,theyaremuchmore‘free-flowing’thanfacilitatedsupportgroups.Thediscussionisnotcontrolled,opinionscanbesubjective,andtheymaynotconstitutemedicaladvice.
Networking
4 Networking Networking 5
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Move More Aberdeen
MacmillanCancerSupport
01224 047925 GordonsCentre,CorunnaRd,BridgeofDon,AberdeenAB23 8DU
www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/local-dashboard/detail/Practical%20help%20and%20support%20groups/8845/Move-More-Aberdeen?proximity=2.13%20miles%20from%20you
Weknowtakingpartinphysicalactivityduringandaftertreatmentcanplayahugeroleinenablingyoutotakebackcontrol.Exercisecanhelpyoupreventandmanagesomeoftheeffectsoftreatment,suchasfatigue,depression,musclewastingandriskstoyourhearthealth.Thisschemeaimstohelpyoutogetactivebyorganisingvariousactivitiesfromgardeningandwalkinggroupstogentlemovementandcircuitclasses.Alltheactivitiesarefreeofchargeandyou’llbewithotherswhoknowwhatyouaregoingthrough.
Inverness Look Good Feel Better
LookGoodFeelBetterandMaggie’sHighlands
01463 706306 RaigmoreHospital,OldPerthRoad,InvernessIV2 3FL
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-highlands/whats-on/
Thisone-offmonthlycourseteacheswomenwithcancerhowtomanagesomeofthevisibleside-effectsoftreatment.Thecourse,whichisrunbybeautyprofessionals,introducessomesimpletechniquesthatcanhelpyoufeelmoreconfidentaboutyourchangedappearance.Youwillalsoreceiveafreegoodybagofpremiumbeautyproducts.
6 Networking Networking 7
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen and Highlands Coffee Mornings and Networking Groups
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 CLANHouse,120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/local/services/coffee-mornings-aberdeen
Thesewelcomingcoffeemorningsofferanopportunitytomeetotherswhoknowwhatyouaregoingthrough.ThecoffeemorningsareheldonthefirstSaturdayofthemonthfrom10am–12noonandnobookingisrequired.Themorningscost£2whichincludesunlimitedtea/coffee,homebakesandoftenasaleofgoodqualitybooks.Thischarityalsooffersartandcraftworkshops,healthwalks,andknitting/crochetgroups.Othercoffeemorningsandnetworkinggroupsarealsoavailableatvariouscentresthroughoutthehighlands.
Weekly 5kmPark Runs
parkrunUK Variouslocations www.parkrun.org.uk/events/events/ Thesefree,weekly,5kmtimedrunstakeplaceinpleasantparklandsurroundingsthroughouttheUK.Theyareopentopeopleofallabilities,canbecompletedatyourownpace,andcanactasgreatstressrelievers.Participantscanbenefitfromthesociableandtherapeuticnatureoftheeventsandtheassociatedvolunteeringopportunitiescanbehighlyrewarding.Allrunsstartat9amonSaturdaymorning.TherearecurrentlysixparkrunsintheAberdeenandHighlandsarea.
8 Psychologicalsupport Psychologicalsupport 9
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Counselling Support
TheRosemountCentreforComplementaryTherapies
01224 636378 TheRosemountCentre,1CMountStreet,AberdeenAB25 2RA
www.rosemountcentre.com/a-variety-of-therapies/counselling/
Weknowthatabraintumourcansometimesleaveyoufeelingpowerless.Thisservicecanhelpyouthroughtimesofstress,anxietyanddepressionthroughcounselling.Theservicegivesyoutheopportunitytoexploreyoursituationandfeelings,inasafeandconfidentialenvironment,whichcanhelpenergiseyouandperhapsenableyoutofindawayforward.
Alongside the care you receive from doctors, nurses and other health professionals you may wish to seek psychological and emotional support.
Itisquiteusualtoexperiencestress,worryandconcernsasaresultofabraintumourdiagnosisortreatment.Itmayleadyoutoexperienceoneormoreofthefollowing:anxiety,uncertaintyaboutthefuture,anger,adjustmentdifficulties,distress,familycommunicationproblems,changesinbodyimage,depression,decision-makingdifficulties,challengesbalancingillnessandtreatmentalongsidethedemandsoflife.
Somepeoplecanfindithelpfultodiscusstheirfeelings,needsandconcernsinaconfidentialspacewithateamexperiencedinhelpingpatientsandthoseclosetothem.Herewehavesomeoptionsforyou.
Psychologicalsupport
10 Psychologicalsupport Psychologicalsupport 11
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen and Highlands Emotional Support and Counselling
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 CLANHouse,120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/local/services/emotional-support-counselling-aberdeen
Hereyouwillfindinformationaboutcancer-relatedissuesaswellasone-to-oneemotionalsupport.Theserviceisrunasadrop-infromMondaytoFriday,9am–4.30pmwithalateopeninguntil7pmonThursdaysandamonthlysessiononthefirstSaturdayofthemonthfrom9.30am–1pm.Morein-depthsupportisofferedbyateamofprofessionalcounsellorswhocanoffersupportface-to-faceorbytelephonewhenbookedinadvance.Thisserviceisalsoavailableatvariouscentresthroughoutthehighlands.
Online Video Talking Therapy
CancerSupportScotland
0800 652 4531 [email protected]
www.cancersupportscotland.org/services/online-video-talking-therapy/
ThischarityunderstandsthatvisitingtheircentreatGartnavelforsupportisnotalwaysanoption.Therefore,theynowofferanonlineVideoTalkingTherapy(OVTT)service.Thisallowspeopletobookappointmentsandaccesssupportfromthecomfortoftheirownhome,atasuitabletimeduringthedayusingSkype.Thesessionshavethesamestructureandcontinuityofface-to-facetherapyandareconductedinaprivateroom,maintainingthesamestandardsofprivacyandconfidentiality.
12 Psychologicalsupport Psychologicalsupport 13
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Young Persons Counselling
01224 573892 1AlfordPlace,AberdeenAB10 1YD
www.mha.uk.net/services/youth/index.php
Thiscounsellingandinformationserviceisaimedatyoungpeoplebetweentheagesof12and18livinginAberdeenCity.Theserviceprovidesconfidentialtherapeuticcounsellinginasafespacetohelpyoungpeopletocometotermswithconflict,distress,lossorachangeintheirlife.
14 Supportgroups Supportgroups 15
Support groups are a place for people to give and receive both emotional and practical support as well as to exchange information.Peoplewithabraintumour,aswellastheirfriendsandfamilies,findsupportgroupstobeavaluableresourcewherepeoplecansharemedicalinformation,getconfirmationthattheirfeelingsare“normal,”educateothers,orjustletoffsteam.Whensomeoneissearchingforasupportgroup,thesinglemostimportantthingtoremembermaybe:ifthegroupdoesn’tfeelrighttoyouordoesn’tmatchyourneeds,tryadifferentgroup.Therearemanyoptionsavailable.
Supportgroups
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Grampian Brain Tumour Support Group
TheBrainTumourCharityandCLANCancerSupport
07827 595855 CLANCancerSupport,120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
www.thebraintumourcharity.org/get-support/support-your-local-area/grampian-support-group/
Thesemonthlymeetings,heldatCLANhouse,areopentoanyoneaffectedbyabraintumour.Theyareachanceforpatients,familiesandfriendstogainpeersupportinasafeandwelcomingenvironment.
Inverness Brain Tumour Network Group
Maggie’sHighlands
01463 706306 RaigmoreHospital,OldPerthRoad,InvernessIV2 3FL
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-highlands/whats-on/
Thisgroupisformenandwomenwithbraintumoursandtheircarers.Thegroupprovidesanopportunitytotalktootherpeoplewhoareinasimilarsituationtoyou,shareexperiencesandexpressemotionsyoumightnotwanttosharewithyourfriendsandfamily.Itisalsoagreatopportunitytolearnfromthosealittlewayaheadofyouintheirjourneyanddevelopyourowncopingstrategies.Thegroupisrunasadrop-inandtakesplaceonthesecondMondayofeverymonth,between1.30pmand2.30pm.Thecentrealsorunsothercancersupportgroupssuchasthefriendsandfamilygroupandthelivingwithadvancedcancergroup.
16 Supportgroups Supportgroups 17
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Highlands Brain Injury Support Groups
HeadwayHighland
07767 416006 VariouslocationsintheHighlands
www.headwayhighland.org.uk
Thesefriendlysupportgroupsfocusonsocialactivitiessuchasartsandcrafts,boardgames,tabletennis,bowling,quiz’sorjusthavingachatoveratea/coffee.Fromtimetotime,thereareguestspeakerstodeliveratalk/presentationonatopicthatisofinteresttothegroupandsomesessionshaveaneducationalelementwherethegroupdiscussatopicrelatedtobraininjury,forexample,fatigue.SupportgroupsareavailableinCaithness,Inverness,FortWilliam,NairnandDingwall.
Aberdeenshire Brain Injury Support Groups
HeadwayGrampian
07917787826 23NorthSilverStreet,AberdeenAB10 1RJ
www.headway.org.uk/supporting-you/in-your-area/groups-and-branches/scotland/brain-injury-grampian/
Thischarityhostsmonthlymeetingforpeopleaffectedbybraininjuries.Thesemeetingsusuallyhaveaspeakeronadiversesetofsubjectswhichisfollowedbytimetochatandsocialiseandhaveacoffeeortea.ThesupportgroupsarealsoavailableinInverurieandElgin.
PINK Cancer Support Group
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 CLANCancerSupport120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/services/support-services/support-groups/
Thisgroupoffersfriendshipandsupporttowomenaffectedbycancer.TheGroupmeetsonthesecondTuesdayofthemonthat7.30pm.
Ballater Support Group
CLANCancerSupport
01339 756318 VictoriaRd,BallaterAB35 5QX
clanhouse.org/local/services/support-groups-ballater
Thissupportgroupsofferasocial,friendlyenvironmenttogainpeersupport.Thegroupmeetsat4pmonthelastWednesdayofthemonthatBallaterGolfClub.
18 Supportgroups Supportgroups 19
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
‘Peedie Blether’ Orkney Support Group
CLANCancerSupport
01856 873393 CLANCancerSupport,30VictoriaStreet,KirkwallKW15 1DN
clanhouse.org/local/services/peedie-blether-sessions-orkney
The‘PeedieBlether’supportgroupoffersfriendshipandpeersupportinasocialenvironment.Thereisnobookingrequiredandeveryoneiswelcometocomealongforacoffeeandachat.ThegroupmeetsonthelastSaturdayofthemonthfrom10.30am–12.30pmatthecharity’ssupportandwellbeingcentreinKirkwall.
Elgin Men’s and Ladies Cancer Support Group
CLANCancerSupport
01343 544132 CLANCancerSupport,227HighStreet,ElginIV30 1DJ
clanhouse.org/local/elgin/
Thesetwoinformalgroupsofferpeersupportandfriendshiptomenandwomenaffectedbycancer.Themen’sgroupmeetsonthefirstThursdayofthemonthat10amandweeklyonaTuesdayfrom5.30pmwhilsttheladiesgroupmeetsonthefourthFridayofthemonthfrom2– 4pm.
20 Supportforcarers Supportforcarers 21
Being a carer is not a job you apply for. We know. It’s also one of the hardest jobs you might have to do.Youcouldbefacinglookingaftersomeonewithbothacancerdiagnosisandtheprospectofasignificantlydebilitatingneurologicaldisease.Becauseofthisit’simportantthatyougetthehelpyouneedtoo.Thereisalotoutthereforyou.
Supportforcarers
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Parent Carer Support
VSA 01224 358550 ElaineDukes,38CastleStreet,AberdeenAB11 5YU
www.vsa.org.uk/children-and-families/parent-carer-support/
Hereyoucanafinddedicatedinformationworkerforparentcarerswhocansignpostyoutorelevantsupportservicesandresources.Weknoweachfamilyhasdifferentsupportandassistanceneedsandthisserviceaimstoprovideaflexibleandadaptiveapproach,ensuringeachfamilyachievethebestpossibleoutcomesforeveryoneinvolved.
Orkney Young Carer Support
OrkneyYoungCarersService
01856 870500 OrkneyYoungCarersService,OrkneyCarersCentre,KirkwallTravelCentreWestCastleStreet,KirkwallKW15 1GU
www.orkneyyoungcarers.org/whattheoycsoffers.html#top
ThiscentrehostsfreemonthlyactivitysessionsforYoungCarerstomeetnewpeople,relax,havefunandtakeabreakfromtheircaringresponsivities.Thecentreoffersonetooneorgroupsupportsessions,abefriendingservice,counsellingandanassessmentofaYoungCarersresponsibilitiesandneeds.
Highland Carer Support Groups
ConnectingCarers 01463 723560 GlenOrrinHouse,HighStreet,DingwallIV15 9TF
connectingcarers.org.uk/carers-services/support-activity-groups.aspx
ThischarityhostslotsofsupportgroupsallovertheHighlandsforcarers.Theygiveyouthechancetomeetothersinsimilarsituations,learnnewskillsorjusthaveachatoveracoffee.Thecharityalsooffersabookgroup,craftgroupandrespitebreaksforHighlandcarers.
22 Supportforcarers Supportforcarers 23
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Highland Connecting Young Carers
ConnectingCarers 01463 723562 GlenOrrinHouse,HighStreet,DingwallIV15 9TF
connectingcarers.org.uk/carers-services/connecting-young-carers.aspx
Thischarityworkswithyoungcarersbetweentheagesof5and24tohelpthembebetterinformed,bettersupportedandbetterconnectedtootheryoungcarersinHighland.Thecharityprovidesthoughtfulsupportanddaysoutwhichmayincludetheatretrips,artprojectsandactivitydays.Alsoonofferisadviceaboutgrantsandvariousskillbuildingactivities.
Orkney Carer Centre
CrossroadsOrkney 01856 87 0500 CrossroadsOrkney,OrkneyCarersCentre,KirkwallTravelCentre,WestCastleStreet,Kirkwall,OrkneyKW15 1GU
www.crossroadsorkney.co.uk/pg/centre.html
Thisdrop-incentrecanprovideyouwithinformationandadviceaboutissuesaffectingcarerssuchasbenefitstoboththecarerandthedependent,supportservicessuchasdaycare,homecare,befriendingservice,respitebreaks,aidsandadaptions,powerofattorneyandtransport.Theyalsoofferemotionalsupport,carertrainingandadvocacy.
24 Supportforchildren Supportforchildren 25
500 children a year are diagnosed with a brain tumour, and there are innumerable families living with the disease.Twothirdsofchildrendiagnosedareleftwithadisability.Familiescanfindcommunicationdifficult,andawarenessofbraintumoursinchildrenislow;thisisdespitethefactthatbraintumoursnowkillmorechildrenthananyotherillnessintheUK.Becauseoftheseuniqueandfrustratingchallenges,thereishelpavailableforyouandyourchild.
Supportforchildren
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Children and Teens Group
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 CLANCancerSupport,120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/local/services/children-teens-groups
Thesegroupsprovidesocialandfunactivitiesforchildrenandyoungpeopleaffectedbycancer.TheyareusuallyheldmonthlyonSaturdaysandmoreregularlyduringschoolholidays.ThecharityhaspublishedtwobooksforchildrendealingwithacancerdiagnosisandcanofferadedicatedspaceatCLANHouseforchildren,youngpeopleandtheirfamiliesequippedwithtoys,gamesandbooks.ChildrenandfamilysupportisalsoavailableinElgin,InverurieandShetland.
Aberdeen Tailored Children and Family Support
Children1st 0131 446 2300 83WhitehouseLoan,EdinburghEH9 1AT
www.children1st.org.uk
Thishands-oncharitygivessupporttofamiliesunderstressinmanyofScotland’scommunitiesincludingAberdeen,MorayandInverness.Theyofferatailoredapproachtosuiteachfamily’sneedsincludingdirectsupportforchildren,tailoredtotheirage,circumstancesandwishes.
26 Supportforchildren Supportforchildren 27
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Kids’ Days
Maggie’sAberdeen
01224 645928 Maggie’sAberdeen,AberdeenRoyalInfirmary,ElizabethMontgomerieBuilding,WestburnRoad,Foresterhill,AberdeenAB25 2UZ
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-aberdeen/whats-on/
Kid’sdaysarerelaxedandfunorganiseddaysaimedatchildrenwhohaveaparentorothercaregiverwithadiagnosisofcancer.Hereyouwilllearnhowtotalkmoreconfidentlyaboutcancerandsharefeelingsasafamily.Thedayswillalsohelpchildrentobecomemoreknowledgeableaboutcancer,thehospitalandcancertreatment.
28 Supportlines Supportlines 29
Support lines are an invaluable service available to brain tumour patients and their carers.Theyareoftenavailablewhenaclinicianisn’t,andtheadvicecanbeobjective.Someofthehelplinesaredrivenbypatientandcarerexperience,meaningthepersonontheendofthephonemayknowexactlywhatyouaregoingthrough.Thephonesupportyoureceivemaynotconstitutemedicaladvice,butitwillcomplementitandhelpyoutoanswerquestionsyoumayhave.
Supportlines
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
brainstrust24/7 Helpline
brainstrust 01983 292405 brainstrust,4YveryCourt,CastleRoad,Cowes,IsleofWightPO31 7QG
www.brainstrust.org.uk
Withbrainstrust’s24/7, 365daysayearhelpline,patients,carersandfamiliescanpickupthephoneoremailandknowtheywillhaveanimmediate,personalresponse.
Macmillan Support Line
MacmillanCancerSupport
0808 808 0000 www.macmillan.org.uk Ifyouhavequestionsaboutcancer,needsupportorjustwantsomeonetotalkto,youcancallMondaytoFridaybetween9amand8pm.
Cancer Information Nurses
CancerResearchUK
0808 800 4040 www.cancerresearchuk.org IfyouhaveanyquestionsaboutcancerorneedmoreinformationyoucanspeakwithacancerinformationnursefromMondaytoFridaybetween9amand5pm.
Contact a Nurse Helpline
Brain&SpineFoundation
0808 808 1000 [email protected]
www.brainandspine.org.uk/helpline
Thisfreeandconfidentialhelplineallowsyoutocontactanursetodiscussyourbraintumourdiagnosisandanyqueriesyoumayhave.Thehelplineisopeneveryweekdaymorningbetween9amand2pmfromMondaytoThursdayand9amto1pmonFridays.
30 Supportlines Supportlines 31
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Brain Tumour Action Telephone Helpline
BrainTumourAction
0131 466 3116 BrainTumourAction,25AnnStreet,EdinburghEH4 1PL
braintumouraction.org.uk/index.php/how-can-we-help/
Thishelplineofferssupport,informationandcounsellingoverthephone.Theserviceworksasa24-houranswerphone.Simplyleaveyourdetailsafterthetoneandtheywillgetbacktoyou,nearlyalwayswithinthesameday.Supportcanalsobeofferedbyemail.
32 Financialsupport Financialsupport 33
Having a brain tumour will, at some point, impact on you financially as well as physically and emotionally. Look this tiger in the eye.Themorepreparedyouare,themoreyouwillbereadyifyouneedadditionalsupport.Muchbettertobeproactive,thanreactive.Thegoodnewsisthatthereisawealth(pardonthepun)ofhelpoutthere.
Financialsupport
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Macmillan Cancer Grants
MacmillanCancerSupport
0808 808 0000 [email protected]
www.macmillan.org.uk
Theseareone-offpayments(around250pounds)foradults,youngpeopleorchildrenwithcancer.Toapply,askyourlocalhealthcareprofessionaltosupplyyouwithanapplicationform.Thegrantteamwillreviewtheapplicationandifapproved,paymentsaregenerallysentoutwithin3workingdays.
CLIC Sargent Grant for Young People
CLICSargent 0300 330 0803 [email protected]
www.clicsargent.org.uk/content/financial-support
Theseareone-offgrantsthatareofferedtochildrenandyoungpeoplewithcancer,andtheirfamilies,assoonastheycomeintocontactwithCLICSargentSocialWorker.Theycanhelpeasethesuddenfinancialdemandsthatacancerdiagnosiscanbringbycoveringcostsoffood,travelandotherday-to-dayexpenses.Thegrantisavailableatanytimewithinthefirst12monthsofdiagnosis.
34 Complementarytherapies Complementarytherapies 35
There are many reasons why people choose to use complementary therapies.Somepeoplefindtheyhelpthemcopewiththestressescausedbycanceranditstreatments.Manytherapiesarerelaxing,andmayliftyourspiritswhenyouaren’tfeelingyourbest.Complementarytherapiesmayhelpyou:l feelbetterandimproveyourqualityoflifel feellessstressed,tenseandanxiousl sleepbetterl withsomeofyourcancersymptomsl withsomeofthesideeffectsofyourcancertreatmentl feelmoreincontrol
Readontofindoutwhatisavailableneartoyou,andplease,remembertoseektheadviceofyourdoctorbeforestartinganynewtherapy.
Complementarytherapies
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Inverness Relaxation, Yoga and Creative Therapies
Maggie’sHighlands
01463 706306 RaigmoreHospital,OldPerthRoad,InvernessIV2 3FL
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-highlands/whats-on/
Thiscentreoffersavarietyoftherapiesandclasseswhicharespecificallydesignedforpeoplelivingwithcancer.Thisincludesanexpressiveartclass,creativewritingsession,arelaxationandvisualisationgroupandayogaclassforbeginners.
Aberdeen and Highlands Complementary Therapies
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 CLANCancerSupport,120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/local/services/complementary-therapies-aberdeen
Thischaritycanoffervarioustherapiestailoredtocancerwhichincludemassage,aromatherapy,reflexology,energyhealing,homoeopathy,reiki,shiatsu,aquadetoxandmistletoetherapy.Theyalsorunrelaxationandvisualisationclassesandagentleyogagroup.Thesetherapiesarealsoavailableatvariouscentresthroughoutthehighlands.
36 Complementarytherapies Complementarytherapies 37
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Salon and Nutrition Workshops
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 CLANCancerSupport,120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/local/services/the-salon-aberdeen
Theseworkshopsarespecificallydesignedwithcancerpatientsinmind.ThereisawigstylingandhaircuttingworkshopavailableweeklyonMondaysfrom9.30am–2.30pmandamonthlysessiononTuesdaysfrom10am–1pmwhichalsooffersone-to-oneskinconsultations.One-to-oneconsultationswithanexperiencednutritionistareavailableonWednesdayafternoonswithapre-booking.ThesenutritionsessionsalsoincludeaselectionofcomplimentarylunchtimetastersavailableeveryWednesdayfrom12 noon–1pm.
Aberdeen Relaxing Holistic Therapies
TheRosemountCentreforComplementaryTherapies
01224 636378 TheRosemountCentre,1CMountStreet,AberdeenAB25 2RA
clanhouse.org/local/services/the-salon-aberdeen
Thiscentreoffersawiderangeoftherapieswhichcanbeusedtoaidgeneralwell-beingandrelaxation,aswellassupportingyouindealingwithmedicalconditions.Sometherapieswillfocusmoreonthephysicalaspectswhilstothersaddressmentalandemotionalwell-beingaswell.
38 Holidaysandshortbreaks Holidaysandshortbreaks 39
Going on holiday is a good way to relax and get away from things. Manypeopleliketoplanaholidayfortheendoftheirtreatment.Otherswanttogobeforeorevenduringtreatment.Whetheryou’retravellingforworkorplay,talktoyourdoctorsandnursestohelpyouplan.Theymaybeabletosuggestagoodtimetogo,aswellashelptodecidewhatisrealisticforyou.Herearesomepeoplethatcouldmakeorganisingyournextholidaythatbiteasier.
Holidaysandshortbreaks
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Calum’s Cabin in Rothesay
Calum’sCabin 07544 979538 Calum’sCabin,“Calenna”,MountstuartRoad,RothesayPA20 9LD
www.calumscabin.com
AcountrysideretreatontheIslandofButewherefamilieswithachildwithcancercancomeandstay.Thecharityalsohelpswithtravelcoststotheisland.
The Kieran Mess Luxury Holiday Home
TheKieranMessFoundation
TheKieranMessFoundation,4SwintonPlace,TheFernsLawthorn,Irvine,AyrshireKA11 2EG
www.thekieranmessfoundation.org/holiday-home.html
TheyofferaluxuryholidayhomeatThurstonManorinIrvinewhichprovidesarelaxingandcomfortableenvironmentforchildrenwithcancerandtheirfamilies.
40 Welfareandlegaladvice Welfareandlegaladvice 41
You may be entitled to a range of benefits which can make things easier for you. Butnavigatingthewelfaresystemcanbeahugechallenge,andsometimesyouneedsomeonewhocanguideyouthroughthemazeofhelpthatisavailable.Theseservicesmayalsobeabletoadviseonthingslikegettingabluebadge,yourrightsatworkandotherlegalissuessuchaswillsandpowerofattorney.
Welfareandlegaladvice
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Banff & Buchan Citizens Advice Bureau
MacmillanCancerSupportandAberdeenCitizensAdviceBureau
01779 481 881 48MarischallStreet,TopFloor,PeterheadAB42 1HS
www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/local-dashboard/detail/Benefit%20advice%20services/8274/Banff---Buchan-Citizens-Advice-Bureau?proximity=27.23%20miles%20from%20you
ThisinformationandadviceserviceisavailabletoanyonereceivingtreatmentforcanceratAberdeenRoyalInfirmaryaswellastheirfamily.Theycanofferadviceonawiderangeofissuessuchasbenefits,grants,housing,debtandemployment.
Free Confidential Welfare Advice
AberdeenCitizensAdviceBureau
01224 569750 www.aberdeencab.org.uk ThisservicehasbeenprovidingadviceandinformationtothepeopleofAberdeenforover70years.Allclientsareofferedfree,impartialandconfidentialadviceonissuessuchasbenefits,debt,work-relatedproblems,relationshipsandhousing.
Aberdeen Cash In Your Pocket Referrals
CashInYourPocketPartnership
01224 686077 RTLG-ZRAX-CXCU,C/oACVO,38CastleStreet,AberdeenAB11 5YU
www.ciyp.co.uk ThisservicecoordinatesanonlinedirectoryofinformationonserviceswhichofferhelptopeoplestrugglingfinanciallyinAberdeenshire.ThedirectoryalsoallowsforanimmediatereferraltotheCashInYourPocketPartnershipinordertoputyouintouchwiththemostrelevantorganisationsandgetthehelpyouneed.
42 Welfareandlegaladvice Welfareandlegaladvice 43
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Inverness Specialist Benefits Advisor
Maggie’sHighlands
01463 706306 RaigmoreHospital,OldPerthRoad,InvernessIV2 3FL
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-highlands/whats-on/
Weknowthatlivingwithabraintumourcanimpactyourfinances,throughlostincomeandincreasedcostssuchasheatingandtravel.Ifyou,orsomeoneyoucarefor,islivingwithcancer,thespecialistBenefitsAdvisoratthiscentrecanhelpyoucompleteformsandalsoaccessanyadditionalsupportthatyoumightbeeligiblefor,suchasparkingpermits.
44 Transportservices Transportservices 45
Getting around if you have a brain tumour can be hard. But it’s something you need to do.Whetherit’sfortreatmentathospital,ortocarryonlivingyourlifetothefullyouwillneedtotravel.Butmanyaffectedbyabraintumourareunabletodrive,andtaxisandpublictransportcanbeexpensiveandconfusing.Don’tworry–youarenotalonehere,andthere’squitealotouttheretogetyouonyourway.
Transportservices
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
CLAN Haven Aberdeen
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 120WestburnRd,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/services/support-services/clan-haven/
ThisB&Bisavailabletoanyoneaffectedbycancerwhoisattending,oraccompanyingafriendorrelativeto,Aberdeenhospitals.Thefacility,situatedjust20minuteswalkfromAberdeenRoyalInfirmary,hasbeendesignedtopromoteacalm,relaxedatmospherewithdedicatedstaffonhandtoprovidepracticalandemotionalsupportduringyourstay.Tohelpcoversomeofthecoststhereisaminimumdonationof£30perpersonpernightforbed,asimplebreakfastandtransporttothehospitalifavailable.ForthoseattendingtheBalfourHospital,ortravellingfromtheislandsviaKirkwalltohospitalsontheScottishmainland,CLANHavenOrkneyisavailable.
Volunteer Drivers for Cancer Care Treatment
CancerCarsScotland
www.cancercars.co.uk ThisdatabaselistsnumerousvolunteerdrivingschemesforcancertreatmentinScotland.Thiswebsiteisdesignedtoassisthealthprofessionals,peoplewithcancer,theirrelativesandfriendstofindvoluntaryorganisationsinScotlandwhichprovideapersonaltransportservicetohospitalappointments.
46 Transportservices Transportservices 47
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Elgin Hospital Volunteer Transport
CLANCancerSupport
01343 544132 CLANCancerSupport,227HighStreet,ElginIV30 1DJ
clanhouse.org/local/services/transport-elgin
ThischarityaimstoprovidetransportviaateamofvolunteerdriverstothosetravellingtoandfromAberdeenhospitals,CLANHouseinAberdeen,DrGray’shospitalinElginandRaigmorehospitalinInverness.Pleasecalltofindoutiftheycanhelpyou.
48 Respiteandendoflifecare Respiteandendoflifecare 49
When you’re caring for someone full-time or for long periods, you need to have breaks otherwise you may start to feel stressed, resentful or even unwell.Andbelieveitornot,thepersonyouarelookingaftermaywantabreakfromyou!Herearesomeorganisationsthatcouldhelpyouunderstandrespitecare,andtheycanalsohelpyouwithplanningforcaretowardstheendoflife,shouldyouneedtodothis.
Respiteandendoflifecare
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Inverness Inpatient unit
HighlandHospice 01463 243132 HighlandHospice,NessHouse,1BishopsRoad,InvernessIV3 5SB
highlandhospice.org/care-services/in-patient-unit
Thisinpatientunit,locatedatInvergordonCommunityHospitalintheFyrishward,providescareforpeoplewhoareaffectedbycancerandnon-cancerlife-limitingillnessesandthoseclosetothem.Theserviceaimstotreatpatientsandtheirfamiliesasindividualsandhelpwitheveryone’suniquephysical,psychological,spiritualandsocialneeds.
Inverness Day Therapy
HighlandHospice 01463 243132 HighlandHospice,NessHouse,1BishopsRoad,InvernessIV3 5SB
highlandhospice.org/care-services/day-therapy-services
Thisdaytherapyserviceprovidesincreasedsupporttopatientsbeingcaredforathome,andtotheircarers.Ateamofspecialiststaffofferawiderangeofactivitieswhichincludeone-to-onesupport,groupsupport,exercise,arts&crafts,footcare,beautyservices,tripsandlifestorywork.ThedaytherapyservicesareavailableTuesday,WednesdayandFridayeachweekbetween10.30amand3pmandvolunteerdrivertransportifavailable.
50 Respiteandendoflifecare Respiteandendoflifecare 51
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Inverness Family Support
HighlandHospice 01463 243132 HighlandHospice,NessHouse,1BishopsRoad,InvernessIV3 5SB
highlandhospice.org/care-services/family-support-services
Thisfamilysupportservicehasafocusonsupportingpatientsandtheirfamiliesduringillnessandintobereavement.Theycanrespondtoavarietyofpatientandfamilyneedsthroughinvolvementincareorplanningforapatient’sdischarge,formfilling,emotionalsupporttoallfamilymembers,spiritualorreligioussupport,andoutreachbereavementsupportevenforthemoreremoteareasofthehighlands.
52 Bereavementsupport Bereavementsupport 53
Bereavementsupport
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
Aberdeen Cancer Bereavement Group
Maggie’sAberdeen
01224 645928 Maggie’sAberdeen,AberdeenRoyalInfirmary,ElizabethMontgomerieBuilding,WestburnRoad,Foresterhill,AberdeenAB25 2UZ
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-aberdeen/whats-on/
Ifsomeoneclosetoyouhasdiedfromcancerthiscentrecanhelpyou.Thisbereavementsupportgroupisaplacetospeaktoothersgoingthroughasimilarexperienceandfindadvice,supportandstrategiesforcoping.Itcoversbothemotionalandpracticalconcerns,fromtheday-to-dayimpactofbereavementtodealingwithanniversariesandrebuildingyourlife.Ifyouwouldpreferone-to-onebereavementsupportthatisalsoavailablehere.
Friendship After Bereavement Group
CLANCancerSupport
01224 647000 CLANCancerSupport,120WestburnRoad,AberdeenAB25 2QA
clanhouse.org/services/support-services/support-groups/
Thisgroupoffersfriendshipandsupporttoanyonewhohasbeenbereaved.NewmembersarewelcomebutareaskedtocontactCLANbeforecomingalongforthefirsttime.ThegroupmeetsatCLANHouseeveryMondayeveningfrom7.30pm.
Unfortunately not everyone survives having a brain tumour.Whenapersonyoulookafterdies,youmaybenotonlylosingalovedone,butasacareryoumaybelosingyoursenseofpurposewhenyourcaringroleends.Itmaynotfeellikeit,buttherearemanypeoplewhoyoucanturntoforhelpandsupport,includinghealthandsocialservicesprofessionalswhoarebecomingmoreawareofthisimpact.
Bereavementcareandsupportisavailabletocarers,familyandclosefriendsfromavarietyoforganisations.Familymembersandfriendscanalsoprovideemotionalsupport.
54 Bereavementsupport Bereavementsupport 55
Servicename Serviceprovider Phonecontact Location Emailandwebaddress Briefdescription
The Faces of Loss Inverness Group
Maggie’sHighlands
01463 706306 RaigmoreHospital,OldPerthRoad,InvernessIV2 3FL
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-highlands/whats-on/
Thisdrop-ingroupsession,runbyaPsychologistandaCancerSupportSpecialist,isforpeoplewhoarelivingwithbereavementduetocancer.ThesessionisheldonthesecondWednesdayofeverymonthbetween5.30pmand7pm.
Grampian Support for Bereaved Children and Young People
GrampianChildBereavementNetwork
01224 594099 TheCo-ordinator,GrampianChildBereavementNetwork,c/oMHA,1AlfordPlace,AberdeenAB10 1YD
www.gcbn.org.uk
Thisorganisationisacentralpointofreferralforchildrenwhohavebeenbereaved.Theservicecanreferontonationalandlocalresourcessuchasreferralstonumerousbereavementcounsellingservices.
56 Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp? Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp? 57
Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp?
HelpavailableAttimesitmayfeellikeit,butyouarenotalone.Everyoneinthebrainstrustcommunityhasexperienceofwhatitisliketobediagnosedandtolivewithabraintumour.Wecanhelpyoutofeellessisolated–weunderstand.Belowareexamplesofthehelpavailabletoyoufrombrainstrust.Don’thesitatetogetintouchandtalktopeoplewhohavebeenwhereyouarenow.We’llhelpyougetbackontopofthings.
Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp?Formoreinformationaboutanyoftheseresources,visitwww.brainstrust.org.uk,[email protected] 292 405.
Resourcestokeepyouinformedl InformationStandardcertifiedinformation onourwebsitewww.brainstrust.org.uk.Clear,accurate,balanced,
evidence-basedandup-to-dateinformation,certifiedbytheInformationStandard.
l 24/7helpline Weknowthatyoudon’tjustneedtotalktosomeone9-5.
We’vebeenthere.Weknowthefearsandtheneedtotalktosomeonewhounderstandsatallhours.That’swhyyoucancallusanytime.Open24hoursaday,7daysaweek,thebrainstrusthelplineoffersbraintumourpatientsandcarerssupport,informationandpragmaticadviceoverthephoneandbyemail.Call01983 [email protected]
l Helpyoutounderstandtheimplicationsofthediagnosis Abraintumourdiagnosiscanbeveryscary,anditisdifficulttoidentify
whatyouneedandwanttoknow.Wecanchatthroughtheimpactwithyou,tohelpputyoubackincontrol.
l Interpretationofmedicalrecords Medicaljargonandterminologymaybeusedintherecords.
Ifyouchoosetolookatyourrecords(andyouareentitledto)youmayneedhelpunderstandingthem,sointerpretationcanbeprovided.Contactbrainstrustonhello@brainstrust.org.ukorcall01983 292405.
l Helpyouseekasecondopinion Wearemindfulthateveryonereactstoaseriousdiagnosisindifferent
ways.Itisyourrighttoseekfurtheropinions,andthiswillempowersomepeople.Somepeoplewouldprefernottoexercisethisright.Somepeopleprefertoknowaslittleaspossibleabouttheirdiagnosis;somepeopleliketorelinquishcontroloftheirsituationtoothers.Alloftheseareperfectlynormalandacceptablewaysofcoping.Andseekingsecond,eventhirdopinionscancauseconfusionandstress.Buttheycaninform,andhelpwithdecision-making.Theycanalsobereassuring.Wecanonlytalk
58 Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp? Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp? 59
fromourexperience.Webelievethatyouneedtobeinformedtomakedecisions.Andthatmightmeangatheringinformationandthendecidingnottomakeadecision.That’sadecisiontoo!Formoreinformationonsecondopinions,visit‘Justbeentold?’onwww.brainstrust.org.uk/advice-symptoms.php
l Clearsignposting brainstrustcanpointyoutowardsvaluableresourcestohelpnavigate
yourjourney.
l www.braintumourhub.org.uk Createdforbraintumourpatientsandcarers,thebraintumourhub
isanauthoritative,easytonavigatedatabaseofbraintumoursupportresourcesandUKbasedbraintumourclinicaltrials.Itisintuitive,easytouse,developedwithclinicians,patientsandcarers,andconstantlyevolvingwithregularupdates.
Resourcestohelpyoufeelmoreincontroll Coaching Atbrainstrustwelisten,listensomemoreandthenaskquestions.
Wefocusonachievingspecificimmediategoals,whichrelatetospecificareas.Forexample,weighinguptheprosandconsofhavingaparticulartreatment,orovercomingaproblemwithcaring.Wealsoknowthatthroughcoaching,clientscanexperienceasenseofhealing,astheymakecourageousdecisionsabouttheirlivesandwork.Coachingfocusesonthefutureandthedevelopmentofaworkablesolution.It’saboutdevelopingstrategiesandclaritytoachieveabetterqualityoflife.
l Counselling Whenthereistoomuchdistressandapsychologicalinterventionis
needed,counsellingcanbeuseful.Itissuitableforsomeonewhoisstrugglingtocopeorfeelingveryanxiousanddepressedandthereforefindingithardtofocusonspecificimmediategoals.Counsellinghasabroaderfocusandgreaterdepththancoachingandsoisusuallyaslower-pacedintervention.Itisconcernedwiththeindividualandtheirrelationshiptoself,aswellaswiththeirfamilyandcommunities.Itislesssolutionfocusedthancoaching(sometimesthereisnosolutiontotheproblem)andinsteadaimstohelptheindividualmakesenseofthesituationinwhichtheyfindthemselvesinordertomakebetterdecisionsaboutwhattheywantandneedforthefuture.Insomesituationsformalcounsellingmaynotbeappropriateandinsteadasupportivelisteningrelationshipmightbemoreuseful.
l Hypnotherapy Thereisplentyofevidencethathypnotherapyhelpspeoplewith
cancerandthosewhocareforthem.Hypnotherapycanbeusedasacomplementarytherapyalongsideconventionalmedicaltreatmentsandforanumberofdifferentpurposes.Hypnotherapycanhelpbraintumourpatientsandcarersto:manageanxiety,reducestress,createadifferentexperienceofpain,buildconfidenceandoptimism,prepareforsurgeryandpromotepost-operativehealing,reducesideeffectsoftreatments,e.g.nauseaandfatigue,optimiseahealthylifestyletobuildresilience.
60 Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp? Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp? 61
l SnaggleToothSplat www.brainstrust.org.uk/advice-resources.php#7
Writtenforbrainstrusttohelpparentcarersorpatientsbroachabraintumourdiagnosiswiththeirchildren.ItisabeautifullyillustratedbookandhasfeaturedintheBMAnewsletterandOncologynews.Theforwardhasbeenwrittenbythelovelyactressandbrainstrustsupporter,JulieWalters.Ifyouareaparentwhohasbeendiagnosedwithabraintumour,orarelookingafterapoorlylittlepatient,thenyoucanhaveacopyofthisbook,forfree.
l Who’sWHOinYOURclinicalteam www.brainstrust.org.uk/advice-resources.php#6
Manypatientsfindthattheyarelefttomanagetheircarepathwayforthemselves.brainstrusthasdevelopedthishandyresourcetohelpyounavigateyourjourney.Itoutlinesallthehealthcareprofessionalswhomaybeinvolvedinyourjourneyandtellsyouwhatitistheydo.
Written by Karen BoswellIllustrations by Jason Mortimer
Practicalresourcesyoucanpickupl Brainbox www.brainstrust.org.uk/advice-resources.php#2
Thebrainstrustbrainbox–the‘musthave’supporttoolkitforpeoplewithabraintumourdiagnosisandtheircarers.Weappreciatehowdifficultthingscanbeonceyouarediagnosedwithabraintumour;the‘4.00ammoments’,thetravellingtoandfromappointments,thestreamofquestionsthatpopintoyourhead,tryingtorememberthejobsofallthepeoplethatyou’llmeetonyourjourney,andknowingwhototurntoandwhen.Ajugglingactthatyoudon’tneedwhenyoujustwanttofocusyourenergyonfeelingbetter.Sotoassistbraintumourpatients,weprovidethisuniqueinvaluableaid.
l LittleWhiteBook www.brainstrust.org.uk/advice-resources.php#5
Acomprehensive,easytonavigatecompendiumofUKbraintumoursupportresources.
A compendium of brain tumour support resourcesEdition 1: September 2011
the little
bookwhite
Who’s WHO in YOUR clinical team
Version 2.1: December 2013
HYLYW-2.1 version.indd 1
10/02/2014 15:43
A selecti
on
of inform
ation
which ca
n be found
in one of our b
rain boxes
62 Whatcanbrainstrustdotohelp? Notes 63
Resourcestohelpyoufeellesslonelyl Meetup www.meetup.com/brainstrust
AtabrainstrustMeetup,membersofthebraintumourcommunitygettogethertohavefun.Nomatterwhere
youareonyourjourneyorwhatroleyouhave(suchascarer,patient,healthcareprofessional)youcanshareexperiences,andseekinformationfrompeoplewhoknowwhatyou’regoingthrough.Butonlyifyouwantto.Feelfreetojustcomealongandenjoy.PastMeetupshaveinvolvedpizzaandwine,pubgrub,andcreamteas.
l facebookbrainstrustbraintumoursupportgroup www.facebook.com/groups/braintumoursupportbrainstrust/
Ifyouareonfacebook,youcanjointhisclosedsupportgroupwherealotofveryfriendlypatientsandcarershangout.Itisareallywarmandwelcominggroupwhowillcomfortyou,answerquestions,makeyousmile,andimportantlyareinthesameboatasyou.
l facebookUKbraintumourcarersgroup www.facebook.com/groups/ukbraintumourcarers/
ThisisagrouppageforcarersofpeoplewithbraintumoursintheUK.Itcanbeveryhardandlonelybeingacarer,sothisgroupisforanycarerstoaskothersquestionsaboutcare,offeradvice,haveageneralchat,agoodlaughorrant/soundoffwhenyouneedtowithoutoffendingorupsettingthosetheylookafter.
Notes
64 Notes
Notes
There are over 55,500 people living with a brain tumour in the UK.brainstrust is the charity and the community that’s here to help thesepeople and those who look after them, whoever they are and no matter where they are on their journey.
We know we don’t have all the answers, but chances are we know someone who does. Get in touch today, for 24/7 help on 01983 292 405or email [email protected]
www.brainstrust.org.uk
The little white book – Glasgow, edition 1,published by brainstrust January 2017, due forreview January 2018.
© brainstrust 2016.Registered charitable trust, brainstrust is a registered charityin England and Wales (1114634), and Scotland (SC044642)