Peer Support Launch
The end of March marks the end of Brain Tumour Awareness Month and as the social media hashtag is put away for another year, we want to make sure you know that we are here to stay – come rain or shine.
Our support doesn’t end at the end of Brain Tumour Awareness Month. We always strive to make sure that we provide you with the best support possible to help you live the life you want with a brain tumour. That’s why we’re launching our Peer Support Scheme.
What is the Peer Support Scheme?
Our Peer Support Scheme will match up volunteers who want to support others going through similar journeys with those who feel they would benefit from the support of someone who knows what it’s like to be in their shoes. Typically, one person will be a bit further along with their treatment or will have finished treatment, and the other might be just starting their journey, but this isn’t always the case.
Ultimately, we hope the Scheme will give you another way to connect with others in the brain tumour to help you feel less alone, and more in control.
How does the scheme work?
Become a Peer Support Volunteer
If you are living with, or caring for someone with a brain tumour you can apply to volunteer. The only condition for applying is that the diagnosis must have been received more than 6 months ago. We will offer you optional training to help you feel comfortable in your role.
Once you are on the register, we’ll match you with someone else with the same tumour type and a similar background. This might not happen straight away, as we’ll only match you with someone we think is a good match.
Getting support from the scheme
If you want to receive support from a peer volunteer, you can get in touch with us. The support team may suggest this to you directly if they think you could benefit from the scheme. You will then be matched with someone from the register who has experienced a similar situation to you.
We will put you in touch with each other to have an informal one-to-one conversation. How the relationship develops from there is up to you two to decide.
The brainstrust team will continue to check in with each party to see how things are going.
If you want some more information about the scheme, or if you’re interested in volunteering or receiving support email Louise on: volunteering@brainstrust.org.uk
