Throughout 2017 we have been working with CLIC Sargent to help young cancer patients cope with the challenges of illness and treatment. Spending time in hospital can be scary and lonely – particularly for people who are transferred to hospitals far from home. It can also be difficult for their families as they visit and offer support. To help these patients and their families overcome the loneliness of their circumstances, we have developed two projects with CLIC Sargent through their outreach work and their Homes from Home.
At the end of 2016, we worked with CLIC Sargent to develop two projects through which we could support young cancer patients and their families. Through the first project, we gifted young patients with tablet computers. They use these to Skype their families and friends, research details of their illness or stay on top of college work while they are in hospital. Those who are especially ill are at greater risk of catching infections, so a tablet computer can be the safest way of communicating with loved ones. One of the young people said “The WaveLength tablet helped me keep in touch with my family when I was feeling isolated in hospital”
We also donated Smart TVs and tablet computers to CLIC Sargent’s Homes from Home – houses where patients’ families can stay while they visit their loved one in hospital. These let the parents of young patients stay up-to-date with the news, stay in touch with other family members through Skype and make friends with other families staying in the Home. One of the staff members said, “People are sharing time together rather than being in their room and are getting to know each other.”
Being in hospital with cancer can be very isolating for young patients and their families, and we are proud to be able to help them thorough this difficult time.