Charity funds support group for head and neck cancer patients

Pictured above: The support group on a walk.

The Hywel Dda University Health Board Head and Neck Cancer Service has been able to provide face-to-face patient support groups thanks to Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board.

Generous donations to the NHS charity have enabled head and neck cancer patients to meet face-to-face in a safe environment instead of virtually.

Hayley Owen, Macmillan Head and Neck Cancer Support Assistant, said: “We’re so grateful that charitable funds have enabled us to organise face-to-face support groups with patients.

“Our patients have said that the support groups have hugely boosted their emotional and mental wellbeing. The feedback from group members about our face-to-face meetings is overwhelmingly positive and identifies these groups as a pivotal part of their post-cancer treatment recovery process.

“Donations to the Head and Neck Cancer Service enable the continued provision of support to head and neck cancer patients. It allows us to assist them and their families pre- and post-treatment, during their long-term recovery/rehabilitation and provide support to our palliative patients.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”