Faceup Cymru support and information title to go here
If you’re reading this, you or someone close to you has recently been diagnosed with Head, Neck and Oral cancer. This news can feel overwhelming, and you’ve likely received a lot of information. Try not to despair – there is a dedicated team working to support you through this.
Would you like support?
We hope through this website we can demonstrate that although you may feel your whole world has collapsed around you there is light at the end of the tunnel. As you can see from our aims we understand and recognise that there maybe a need to help in many different ways. Our series of videos will guide you along the journey but at each stage we are here to provide advice and support as its required. We are always available. Please do not hesitate to contact us – even if you feel the concern is trivial – if it is a concern to you it most definitely is a concern for us to help with. Through our work in collaboration with Tenovus we have guided patients through the minefield of grants and benefits so we like to think we cover all your bases. Whatever you need – please let us know.
Virtual reality therapy
Virtual reality is a computer generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings. It has a major place in reducing stress and the overwhelming anxiety that occurs in life . It has also been used extensively in pain control where patients have have had their pain therapy reduced from opiates [ which can make you sleepy ] to Paracetamol. If you feel that this equipment could help you, please make contact via our e mail and we can arrange a demonstration and if you feel it helps then we can arrange for you to loan the equipment
Provision of medical equipment
We are very proud that all the money we raise - 100% is ploughed back into helping our patients. We have been able to provide equipment to help people who've had their voice boxes removed. Also, following a major incident in one of the clinics we were able to purchase a suction pump to aid the staff. We are here to help – please let us know if you need anything.
Bringing care closer to home
Faceup Cymru has partnered with Tenovus Cancer Care to support head and neck cancer patients across Wales. Together, they run a Mobile Support Unit at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Bridgend. Funded by Faceup Cymru, the unit offers weekly clinics providing nursing care, nutritional advice, speech and language therapy, and emotional support - making vital treatment more accessible and reducing the need for hospital visits.
Supporting Patients and Families Together
Sometimes, patients and their families feel isolated – we recently had a call from someone whose relative felt alone and unique. We were able to guide them and put them in touch with other like diagnosed patients in an attempt to resolve this isolation. This isolated feeling is not unique and we are working hard to resolve this. Although our primary aim is to provide help to patients and families, we would also welcome your help to ascertain what other things you think would help you all. We welcome all forms of communication in this respect and are open to having a coffee/ tea event to discuss these issues. Please let us know.
Supporting head and neck cancer patients through connection, community, and shared experience
Faceup Cymru is a charity founded by healthcare professionals and patients to support individuals and families affected by head and neck cancer. Our goal is to provide practical and emotional support, supply essential equipment, and respond to patient needs. We are developing a “buddying group” to connect newly diagnosed patients with those who have experienced similar journeys. Before the pandemic, we held bimonthly meetings featuring guest speakers and group discussions, helping patients and families realise they are not alone. We hope to revive these valuable sessions, which offer shared learning and mutual encouragement. In addition, we have organised social events such as Christmas dinners and plan to host coffee mornings to fundraise and strengthen our community.
Patient interaction
We have looked back at previous interactions with patients and realised that one of our strengths was interaction with patients in the form bimonthly meetings. This was an opportunity for patients to get uplift from each other but in addition, we invited professionals to come and talk to the group in an attempt to improve their lifestyle. This included laughter therapists; psychologists. We welcome everyone’s thoughts as to whether we restart these
Palliation
Despite all efforts, unfortunately there are times when the disease process takes over and there is nothing left in the armamentarium to remove the disease. This is a tough time but it is important that the patient and family do not feel alone. Faceup is here to help in any way that is required. Virtual reality immersion therapy has proved so valuable in this time in relation to managing the mindset of the situation as well as an adjunct to improve pain control. We work with all groups - hospitals and palliative care teams to improve the quality of life of patients and their families and welcome all requests for assistance