23rd July saw us at Rising Brook Baptist Church in Stafford for the launch of our project in Central Staffordshire. We were joined by guests from across the sector, including VAST, Disability Solutions and Katharine House Hospice, along with our own colleagues from the Beth Johnson Foundation.
Project Lead Kath Curley delivered a presentation outlining the history of the project so far. Following a successful pilot project in Stoke on Trent and North Staffs, we now work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, who are supporting and funding our expansion over the coming three years.
Kath Curley
Kath used visual imagery including a snakes and ladders board to illustrate the highs and lows over the project’s journey. A jigsaw diagram showed how the four elements of the project – OPAAL, the Pilot Site, Macmillan and the Big Lottery – came together
Kath was followed by Anna Lynall from Macmillan Cancer Support, who talked the audience through some sobering statistics about cancer and older people that really demonstrated the need for this valuable project.
Anna Lynall
Our Volunteer Coordinator for Central Staffordshire is Amanda Carter, who joined us in May and is brimming with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, Amanda’s recruitment coincided with an unfortunate accident in which she broke her arm. This was something of a setback as we waited for her recovery and doctor’s permission to drive again. Luckily for us, she’s a trooper and has now healed well and is raring to go. Amanda is looking to recruit Volunteer Advocates in Stafford and the surrounds, aged 50+ with some experience of cancer related issues. If you would like to learn more, you can reach her at amanda.carter@bjf.org.uk
Amanda Carter
If you would like to make a referral to the project, you can email macmillan@bjf.org.uk or call our office on 01782 844036. We accept referrals from medical staff and professionals as well as carers and relatives, or even self-referrals. If there is a need for an advocate to help someone navigate the difficult life issues that a cancer diagnosis brings about, we’re here to help.
Kath Curley, Project Lead, Staffordshire Cancer Advocacy
Older People Living with Cancer 