Today we hear from Alan (not his real name) who has been receiving peer advocacy support from delivery partner Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale
I am a 76 year old gentleman who has recently started receiving support from the Cancer Older People and Advocacy project. To say I was in a bit of a state is an understatement. Sadly my wife passed away in December from a brain tumour, to which we knew nothing about. My wife and I were also carers for our grandson who had learning difficulties and he also had cancer, sadly he too passed away very suddenly in March. My life has in a matter of months, been turned upside down and ripped apart. I have limited family that live close by, so I’ve been struggling with how to cope and deal with the day to day issues of life. I am also awaiting an operation myself for a knee and hip replacement and am in a great deal of pain.
My Social Worker was the one who learnt about the Cancer, Advocacy and Older People’s Project and suggested we ask for some support. I was reluctant at first as it meant explaining my pain to someone all over again, but I knew I really needed help and my Social Worker, however lovely she was, had very limited time. I met a really nice gentleman from the Cancer Older People and Advocacy team who was a volunteer. He was able to assist me with the mountain of paperwork I had accumulated, as this was really getting on top of me and the debt letters were beginning to come in. He also assisted me with the practical things such as where and who I could donate my wife and grandson’s belongings. He was someone to chat to also, someone independent who didn’t judge, he just listened and understood my pain.
He also accompanied me to hospital appointments about my own health which was hugely supportive. After being a carer for so many years, all of a sudden being alone is a huge shock and adjustment.
I continue to receive support as I still have a mountainous pile of paperwork, again! But knowing there is someone out there I can call and help me when it all gets a bit much is priceless, truly and utterly priceless.
If you know someone who might benefit from peer advocacy support why not check out if we’re delivering services in your area by clicking here. Do get in touch.
Angela Jones, Age Connects Cardiff & the Vale
Older People Living with Cancer 