A new support group has been set up to help patients diagnosed with a brain tumour and their carers.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s Living with and Beyond Cancer Team has begun running the monthly sessions to provide practical advice and emotional support to patients and their loved ones.

Macmillan associate practitioner, Claire Walker, says the meetings have been tailored to meet the needs of these two specific groups:

Meetings are held at the Queen’s Centre in Cottingham

“Receiving a diagnosis of a brain tumour can be a real shock to patients and their families. People can experience a brain tumour at any age, and it can affect a number of different physical functions including speech, memory and mobility. In some cases, people can really struggle to accept the diagnosis or adapt to their situation.

“Depending on the nature of the tumour, this can lead to a spouse or another loved one becoming a full time carer for the patient, which can feel tough, isolating, and can ultimately be life-changing.

“Late last year, we recognised a growing demand for help and advice linked to brain tumours. As result, we decided it would be worthwhile to set up a group offering the advice which patients need but also giving them and their carers the chance to meet others in the same situation.

“Members of the Living With and Beyond Cancer Team will be on hand at the meetings to offer practical help and advice with matters such as diet and exercise, employment, activity groups and referral to other services. Neurology specialist nurses will also be available to offer more specialist clinical advice and support. But sometimes patients and their carers will draw as much strength from meeting others in the same situation and being able to talk through shared experiences, so we’re hoping our patients and their carers will really get a lot out of these new sessions. “

Meetings will be held monthly at the Queen’s Centre, Castle Hill Hospital, and the next session will take place on Monday 9 March.

For more details, contact the Living With and Beyond Cancer Team on 01482 461091.