Head and neck cancer support group: How your donations are making an impact
Pictured above: The support group in action
Patients affected by Head and Neck Cancer recently came together for a special support group event at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, thanks to your generous donations to Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board.
We funded the hire of the theatre at the gardens, refreshments and traditional Welsh cakes for patients and their families attending the event. Venue hire also included access to the gardens, allowing attendees to enjoy the peaceful surroundings while connecting with others who understand the challenges of living with and recovering from head and neck cancer.
A total of 68 people attended the event, including patients, family members, healthcare professionals, charities and support organisations. Information stalls provided an opportunity for attendees to learn about the support available to them, while the informal setting encouraged conversation, shared experiences and peer support.
The support group has had a huge impact on patients. One attendee said: "Living with head and neck cancer can feel very isolating, but attending the support group made me feel understood, supported and hopeful. Being able to meet others, ask questions and access so many helpful services in one place has made a real difference to my recovery and wellbeing.”
Mikhaela Jones, Macmillan Head and Neck Service Support Assistant, who helped organise the event, spoke about the impact charity funding has had on their service: “Our recent Head and Neck Cancer Support Group was a wonderful reminder of just how impactful these events are.
“Seeing patients, families and support organisations come together, share experiences and build new connections was incredibly rewarding. The positive feedback from those who attended showed how valuable these support groups are to our patients.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Hywel Dda Health Charities and Hywel Dda Services who came along to showcase the incredible support they offer our patients and their families. Seeing everyone come together was a powerful reminder of the value of partnership working and the difference these events make to our patients."
Alis Evans, Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Specialist, said: "The head and neck cancer support group provides a safe and understanding environment where people can share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others who truly understand what they are going through.
“The support group also reinforces information provided by the multidisciplinary team, promotes self-management, and encourages patients to seek help early if they experience concerns.
“Peer support complements clinical care by addressing emotional, social, and practical needs that are not always fully met during routine appointments. Overall, the support group is an important component of holistic, patient-centred care and has a positive impact on patients' recovery and long-term wellbeing."
Miriam Brown, Head and Neck Cancer Dietitian said: "Treatment for head and neck cancer can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to eat and drink. Recovery following treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy can be life changing, with many people continuing to experience long-term side effects including taste changes, dry mouth, and difficulties with chewing and swallowing months or even years after treatment.
“The support group provides an invaluable opportunity for patients to share their experiences, challenges, and practical strategies for managing eating and drinking after treatment. While, as dietitians, we are able to offer evidence-based advice and draw on our clinical experience supporting patients, hearing first-hand accounts and learning from others who have faced similar challenges offers a unique perspective that cannot be replicated in a clinical consultation.
“It reinforced the importance of peer support alongside professional input and highlighted the value of listening to patients’ lived experiences to better understand their ongoing needs and improve the support we provide."
Patients of the service continue to see the benefits and positive impact of these charity-funded events.
Another attendee added: "Meeting other patients, carers, support staff all in one place to share experiences and understand what support is available was incredibly valuable.”