NORTH EAST cancer charity FACT has received a new minibus after kind sponsorship by Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, helping them towards reducing isolation during and beyond cancer diagnosis.
Fighting All Cancers Together (FACT) supports cancer patients and their friends and families with a range of support services from counselling to wellbeing, wig fitting to family fun days out across the region.
The new minibus will benefit whole communities andhave a huge impact on the number of people gaining access to the FACT support centre in Gateshead, as the minibus will be used to transport individuals directly to the centre and take important services straight to the heart of North East communities.
Joanne Smith, founder and chief executive of FACT,said: “Social isolation is a big factor of living with cancer and this generous sponsorship will allow more people to benefit from our facilities and social events;helping to reduce isolation during and beyond cancer diagnosis.
“We’ll now have the ability to take our services and awareness programmes out of the centre and into local communities across the North East, giving those most in need access to help and support. The minibus will also be utilised to take service users out on fun day trips, again aiding in reducing the sense of isolation.”
Ian Renwick, chief executive of Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with FACT by sponsoring their minibus, which will help patients to access the services they need.
“It will also be great to see FACT further their activities to patients across the region, and spread their support throughout local communities.”
Cancer survivor and mum of two Joanne Smith founded FACT, and now, with a team of trained staff and volunteers, provides essential support services that simply did not exist when she was going through treatment. Services include everything from counselling for children and adults, social events, awareness sessions, mastectomy bra fitting evenings, fitness classes, pampering and beauty sessions to providing ‘kindness kits’ of essentials such as toiletries, food and clothing for those facing financial pressures during treatment.
For support or advice if you’re living with cancer, or if you’re a friend or family member who will benefit from support, please contact FACT on 0191 442 0833 or go to www.fact-cancersupport.co.uk. To make a donation please go to https://www.justgiving.com/fact-cancersupport