Cancer Doesn't Care - Pelorous

Tracy-Ann Oberman
“ I am convinced that the size of a
womans handbag is a corellation to
where she is at in her life and
whether she has procreated or not.
The bag becomes a metaphor as it
were . Before having my daughter I
could walk around with a tiny little
clutch smaller than my hand
containing: one lipstick, one stick of
chewing gum, a chub key and a small mobile phone. Since
having my daughter my bag of choice is now ENORMOUS. This
summer I have a large Gerard Darel leather fringed one, large
enough to carry: an iphone, a battery pack for an iphone, a
script, a large make up bag ... (mainly containing concealer for
under eye baggage), a filo-fax, a list of things I have forgotten
to do, a notebook, and three sets of keys plus a minnie mouse
set of crayons and pens, babywipes, a spare pair of my
daughters knickers, a barbie doll and most importantly her
“mummy- cloth comforter” for when it all gets too much.
Although I’m not sure who needs the comforter most at times.
Her or me!”
Maureen Lipman
“Over the years I have minimised
what I carry. My bag is a flat, over
the body one and in it I have my
phone, keys, chequebook, purse with
cards, freedom pass, the occasional
lipstick and a poo bag (for the dog
of course). I may also have a card
from my secretary detailing where
I should be!”
Jan Shure
Olivia Phillips
Freelance
Fashion Writer &
Blogger:
“My bag is the
most physical
extension of me
possible - it holds
the telltale signs
of who I really
am inside a
glossy case of
who I want to be.
My Chloe Milton
might look
sophisticated,
but in reality is crammed with month-old
receipts, fluff and a dog-eared and rather
embarrassing copy of Twilight....”
www.newfavouritething.com
Natalie-Anne Hasseck
Freelance Fashion Stylist and Writer, has
written for W Magazine, Grazia and Women’s
Wear Daily www.layersandswathes.com
“The truth is that the design of handbags
stemming from the runway are getting smaller
and boxier. However in terms of sales, the
larger handbags and aptly titled ‘holdalls’ will
always outsell the small bags because
women simply cannot leave the house
without their ‘survival kit’”
Advice and Advocacy at Chai
When a client comes to Chai their main reason is to systems that often seem impenetrable within the NHS.
seek help in dealing with cancer – whether it be a new
diagnosis, coping with treatment, dealing with a
prognosis or rehabilitation. Whatever the reason there
are often other areas within clients’ lives that require
support and advice. Chai finds that in order to allow
patients, their families and friends to focus on living with
the cancer, these often intrusive other issues require
attention. Chai has been building expertise for years so
that we can either help with other areas of concern to
clients, or source somebody who can.
Chai has in-house expertise on statutory benefits from
Anne Shine. Anne will advise on what benefits can be
applied for – some of which are not means tested –
and sits with clients if
required, to fill out the
lengthy and complex
application forms. Anne is
also very knowledgeable
about nursing and
palliative care homes and
Expertise
From its beginning Chai has been a source of
information when clients need to find a medical
Ann Shine
can provide information
and support to clients
negotiating this provision.
specialist, find out about a clinical trial or want advice
on coping with treatment. Over the years we have also
built up comprehensive lists of where to find wigs,
providers of semi-permanent make-up to disguise loss
of eyebrows and eyelashes, domiciliary opticians and
hearing care, suppliers of underwear for after
We are fortunate that we have professionals within the
community that, through Chai, are able to provide pro
bono financial advice on running household accounts,
basic probate advice and confidence coaching for
returning to work.
mastectomies, insurers that will cover cancer patients
for travel, local care agencies, nursing homes, dietary
and nutritional advice and so the list goes on.
Advocacy
Elaine, Anne and our Client Services Managers provide
advocacy for patients and families when dealing with
Our Chief Executive Elaine Kerr advises clients - both
patients and carers - on what services they are entitled
to from the NHS and social services, and how to get the
best from private medical care. Elaine ensures that
clients understand and cope with the processes and
agencies. For instance, Chai can support clients in
Multidisciplinary Team Meetings at hospitals and
hospices, when care packages are being decided,
or negotiate with care homes and social services on
clients’ behalf.
JC Fashion Editor and co-founder of www.60andsensational.co.uk “I have been a handbag
hoarder (in both senses, having squirreled away far more handbags than I can possibly use, and
stowing far more in the one I am currently using than is healthy for my shoulders or arms) for most
of my adult life.
Currently, apart from the obvious contents (overstuffed Mulberry wallet, Blackberry, keys, lip salve,
Tom Ford lipstick, Oyster card, emery board, sunnies, glasses, pens, hairbrush – that is all obvious,
isn’t it?), there is a copy of today’s Times, a copy of this week’s JC, a teeny telescopic umbrella, dozens of business
cards (for the JC and for my website 60&Sensational – www.60andsensational.co.uk), a shiny little hairslide belonging
to my granddaughter Sadie, a small toy car belonging to my grandson Henry, notes from a talk I gave three weeks
ago, invitations to press events that have taken place in the last few weeks, a map of Vancouver and a bottle of
Chanel Particuliere. I do clear my bag out every few weeks, you have caught me at a moment when I haven’t had
time for a clean-up.
Which is why – at various times in my life – the people who have been the recipients of a large part of my disposable
income have been physiotherapists, osteopaths and masseurs. But try to part me from the contents
of my handbag and I will feel bereft: my bag is my on-the-road office, my security blanket and – naturally –
a status symbol of sorts. So, my future is diary dates with masseurs and physios and, of course, the Smythson sale… “
Lyn Tobin
Lyn Tobin worked as
an adviser at the
Citizens Advice
Bureau for five
years, followed by
15 years’
experience at Employee Assistance
Programmes using her counselling and
advisory skills to assist clients with
benefits, education, consumer,
employment, divorce and
discrimination.. She has a BA in social
psychology and social policy.
Chai is able to make referrals to a range of specialist
providers for our clients, such as social services,
palliative care teams, genetics services, voluntary
and care agencies.
New comprehensive advisory service
We recently commenced a new advisory service run
by Lyn Tobin – who we are extremely fortunate to have.
Lyn advises clients on a wide range of issues such as
debt, family issues, housing, benefits, employment,
discrimination, children, consumer issues, travel and
sourcing carers. Lyn has access to a multitude of
external resources which are of great benefit to
Chai’s clients.
All the above services can be accessed by calling
Chai on 0808 808 4567, or 020 8202 2211.
38 20 years of cancer support in the community
20 years of cancer support in the community 39