1. Guidelines Best Practice 2023

2023
Support Group
BEST PRACTICE GUIDE
SUPPORT GROUP LEAD(S)
THE SWALLOWS HEAD & NECK CANCER CHARITY | 68-70 Waterloo Road, South Shore,
Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 AB

CONTENT
PAGE
WELCOME 2
WHAT IS THE CHARITY ALL ABOUT 2
THE CHARITIES AIMS 2
VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES 3
ACCEPTING GIFTS OR TIPS 3
MONITORING & FEEDBACK 3
EXPENSES 3
POSSIBLE CHALLENGES 3
IF YOU ARE DELAYED OR UNABLE TO ATTEND 3
YOU ARE UNWELL 3
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS 4
A PATIENT/CAREGIVER BECOMES UNWELL 4
FIRST AID REQUIREMENTS 4
ABOUT THE CHARITIES SUPPORT 4
HOW TO RESPOND 5
APPROPRIATE RESPONSES 5/6
SELF-CARE 6
STRESSORS INCLUDE 7
RELAXATION TECHNIQUES 7
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 8
GROUP LEAD BEST PRACTICE 8
THE MEETING ROOM 8/9
DISPLAYS 9
SPEAKERS 10
PAPERWORK 10/11
LEADING A MEETING 11/12/13
VOLUNTEER ROLE 13/14
FUNDRAISING 14
TYPES OF TREATMENT 15/16/17
CONTACT DETAILS 18
CONFIDENTIAL STATEMENT 19
HARD COPIES OF PAPERWORK 20
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Welcome to the family!
It is great to have you as part of our team!!
This is your support group folder for reference, with necessary documentation and best practice
guidelines for leading one of our Patient & Caregiver Support Groups - this information may be
updated from time to time.
What is the charity all about?
At the charity we know that a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be a very difficult, and sometimes
harrowing experience, many people feel out of control, lose their self-value or feel isolated. Cancer
treatment is often difficult to cope with and takes a physical toll on the body.
The charity was established to enable Head & Neck cancer patients and their caregivers to take time
out to meet like-minded people and share experiences in a relaxed environment. We are known as
“The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Group charity” because of the difficulty a lot of people have
with swallowing, during and post treatment.
Helping patients and caregivers develop a sense of well-being, improving quality of life and
increasing self-worth are central aims of the charity. We reach out and offer support 24/7 and will
signpost if that’s what you need. The Charity is run by patients, caregivers, family and friends, so
everyone understands the challenges that can occur when you are diagnosed with Head & Neck
Cancer.
The charities aims.
• Help each other and anyone else who is affected, directly or indirectly, by this type of cancer.
• One to one or group support.
• Be available in Clinics to help patients and caregivers as required.
• Advise on locating reliable literature, information and locally available resources.
• Signpost links to other groups in different areas and recommend trusted websites for people
at home.
• Raise funds for items to help both patients and caregivers.
• 24/7 help line answered by patients and caregivers, offering a like-minded person to talk to.
Below are examples of just some of the ways our volunteers help and make a real difference to people
affected by cancer.
• Group Leads running our monthly support groups.
• Group Assistants at our monthly support groups.
• Awareness - distribute leaflets/info to local GP surgeries/dental practices.
• Help with taking patients to hospital appointments.
• Join us at fundraising events across the country.
• Assist in acquiring items for raffle prizes at events.
• Encourage local employers/business to have us as their nominated charity for the year.
• Donate to the charity shop based in Blackpool if in your area.
• Raising funds through sponsored activities/events.
•
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Volunteer Guidelines
The charity fully appreciates and value the time and energy that a volunteer gives to the charity and
aims to provide roles that a volunteer is proud and happy to fulfil while gaining satisfaction in
participating in a worthwhile activity. The charity will provide ongoing instruction specifying the
type of assistance needed within each role and it is important that volunteers comply with these
instructions.
In addition, the following general guidelines should be adhered to:
• Greet everyone warmly and make them feel comfortable and welcomed.
• Let the group set the tone of the session – they may not want to talk.
• Respect confidentiality and refrain from asking personal questions.
• Be careful using humour – someone may be offended.
• Be careful not to act as a counsellor do not offer medical advice.
• Accommodate all reasonable requests.
• Be the bridge between the group and the hospital team.
Accepting Gifts or Tips.
It is not appropriate to accept gifts or tips, if someone wants to donate, they can do this in the donation
box on the display table, through the website, posting it to Head Office.
Monitoring and Feedback:
The charity will provide ongoing support to volunteers, you will also be asked to complete an
evaluation sheet every 6 months.
Any significant problems encountered in any session should be reported to the charity immediately
on sharon@theswallows.org.uk
Expenses.
Reasonable out of pocket expenses, directly relating to volunteering and in line with our expenses
policy (copy available from info@theswallows.org.uk), can be reimbursed.
Possible Challenges.
You are delayed or unable to attend a meeting.
Contact the joint group lead and/or Sharon as soon as possible and keep in touch.
You are unwell.
Contact the joint group lead and/or Sharon immediately and we will try to get a cover lead for the
meeting if there hasn’t been one identified already for the group.
- cancer patients often have weakened immune systems and are very susceptible to infection.
- Volunteers must look after their own health and safety.
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Communication problems.
There are a variety of potential communication problems e.g., the patient/caregiver may have hearing
difficulties, speak another language or have had treatment that impedes communication.
- be patient and listen – don’t try to finish the persons sentences.
- If unsure, repeat back what was said to confirm.
- Speak clearly, at a steady pace.
- Have a pad of paper, pen or a Boogieboard available.
- Do not use impatient or disparaging body language, facial expressions or tone of voice.
A patient/caregiver becomes unwell.
There may be occasions when a patient/caregiver will feel unwell - if such a situation occurs you
should assess the situation, apply common sense, contact first aider at the venue if appropriate.
Behave as you would if this was a friend or family member.
You are not expected to provide first aid or medical intervention.
If the patient/caregiver would like to stay and it is safe for them to do so, be relaxed but aware and
cautious.
**Always report any incident to Sharon on sharon@theswallows.or.uk and call 07572 493 874
and complete the monthly meeting report**
About the charities support
The charity is there for anyone who has been diagnosed or effected with/by head and neck cancer.
They may:
• have recently been diagnosed and undergoing treatment for the first time.
• be undergoing ongoing treatment.
• have had cancer in previous years.
• be suffering a reoccurrence.
• have completed their treatment and be in good health.
• Have a family member or friend with the cancer.
• Be a caregiver for someone with the cancer.
The charity is there for patients, caregivers, their families and friends.
Each patient/caregiver will be at a different stage in relation to cancer and they have turned to the
meeting for advice, support, help or just to talk and listen to others.
Please remember:
• you are the face of the charity, an ambassador.
• attend to everyone in a respectful, non-judgemental way.
It is important to remember that patients, and their companions, could be going through a difficult
time (as you may have done) filled with hospital visits and tests and powerful treatments such as
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and all of this has a profound physical, emotional and social
effect – all of which you may be familiar with.
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As a group lead you will meet people who are going through these experiences as you may have done
and who may be:
• recovering from surgery
• undergoing aggressive treatments
• worried about their body image
• suffering a lack of confidence
• feeling fearful, worried, isolated
• in need of reassurance
Patients although not exclusively may be feeling upset, anxious, fearful or angry about their situation
and may exhibit some of these feelings. If they choose to talk – listen and show understanding, and
compassion do not relay your experiences unless relevant to the conversation as the group member
comes first in this instance.
How to Respond
• give the person time.
• listen if that person wants to talk about their experience – they may not always want an
answer.
• allow tears – tissues should be handy to offer if needed.
• do not be embarrassed.
• carry on a normal conversation.
• don’t try and tell the person what to do, nor give out information unless asked – and always
follow our guidelines.
• if you are asked questions you can’t answer, refer to the heath professional team lead or
Sharon for advice, but remember put the question on the report sheet.
• most important – JUST BE YOURSELF
Appropriate Responses.
Patients and caregivers may want to talk about aspects of their treatment or experience that are
delicate and, as a representative of the charity, you may have to be careful of what to say in reply and
NEVER GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE.
Examples are as follows:
• A volunteer has had a cancer experience and the patient/caregiver asks them.
It is ok to share this in a simple way if you feel comfortable doing so. It may help the patient
to hear someone else’s journey, however, do not go into lots of details.
• A patient asks for a volunteer’s opinion on their treatment.
You can listen, you should not discuss a patient’s treatment, instead tell them that you are not
qualified to answer those questions. Advise them to speak to their consultant or one of the
hospital staff if they have questions they would like to discuss.
Give them our 24/7 number as a support service they could use.
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SELF-CARE
• The patient/caregiver is unhappy with hospital staff and starts talking about it
Just listen – they may just want to vent off with someone. Encourage them to share what they
are saying with a family member or one of the hospital staff they trust. Don’t agree with them
or get involved in a big discussion around it as you could be quoted by them later.
You could say something like – “it sounds like you’re not having a good experience, maybe
you should talk to one of the staff or your GP about it”.
• The patient wants to try alternative therapies and asks for advice.
Explain that this is not an area where you would be qualified to give advice and advise them
to speak to their GP or consultant.
• Patient starts talking about their prognosis – looking for reassurance.
This is another situation for just listening – that would be reassuring. Do not get into telling
them they are looking well, and that the treatment will cure them.
You could say something like – “it must be difficult for you to be thinking all of that. There
are people who can help you and support you”. Offer our 24/7 number to the patient.
• Patient reveals something about abuse or mistreatment.
If the patient starts to make any disclosure of this nature you need to say to them that if they
continue with their story, you may not be able to keep it to yourself, that you may need to pass
it on. If the patient continues, remind them you will have to pass the information on to the
charity. You can do this by emailing Sharon and calling if need be.
• Patient/caregiver asks volunteer about another patient/caregiver who has attended
a meeting.
In this situation you cannot give out any information about other patients/caregivers and it is
ok to say to the patient/caregiver asking that confidentiality does not allow you to discuss
other patients.
• Patient/caregiver asks for the volunteer’s personal contact details.
Our guidelines are that volunteers do not give out their home phone numbers or addresses to
patient/carers. You can say to the patient/caregiver that you are not allowed to give out that
personal information but that you can always be contacted through The Swallows Head Office
or your mobile number if you wish to give it out. We do also have social media for contact
and if it is the wish of the group members a WhatsApp group can be formed to include the
Charity Chief Executive Officer.
As a Volunteer your help and support are greatly appreciated by the charity, we want you to enjoy a
fulfilling and satisfying voluntary role.
While you are in contact with patients/caregivers it is important to be aware of your emotional limits
and set aside time for self-care. In the effort to help others, you may begin to ignore your own needs.
This can eventually affect your health, relationships and quality of life.
Physical health and well-being are affected by emotional health.
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Stressors include.
• being with someone who has just received disturbing news about his/her health.
• someone you have known over time has died.
• hearing distressing stories about a patient/carers experience.
If you feel this is affecting, you consider talking with
• The Charity senior management
• Your Health Team Lead
• Your GP
Self-care allows you to set appropriate boundaries in your relationships with people and maintain the
self-awareness that allows you to be effective and useful while still focussing on the person who
needs your support. It is important that you do not feel pressured by patients/carers into an unsuitable
relationship because of their need.
If a patient/caregiver needs help, advice or counselling always refer them on to the Heath Team
Lead for further signposting.
All volunteers have the right to a rewarding assignment, you can refuse any assignments that you are
not comfortable with.
Relaxation Techniques
60 Second Break
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Visualise yourself lounging on a sunny beach or watching a
sunset.
Peaceful Focus
Focus on something pleasant and beautiful in your immediate environment (a blade of grass, a
painting, a colour). Concentrate on the beauty you see and breathe in. Allow the beauty to slow you
down.
10 second Breathing
Slow down you’re breathing to a 10 second cycle. Inhale for 5 seconds, then exhale for 5 seconds.
Keep this up for 2-5 minute to calm yourself.
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Complaints Procedure
The Charity is committed to a high quality, accessible and responsive service and takes any
complaints very seriously.
Many problems can be resolved through discussion, and we will always endeavour to resolve
problems as quickly and informally as possible. However, if a situation cannot be resolved in this
manner the following procedures should be followed:
• A written complaint should be addressed to:
Private & Confidential
Sharon Curtis
Charity Manager
The Swallows Charity
68 – 70 Waterloo Road
Blackpool
FY4 1AB
• You will then be contacted to discuss the complaint and explain any actions being taken and
the timescale involved.
• The relevant volunteers, patient/carers and staff members will be consulted and asked for their
responses.
• We will aim to resolve any complaint within four weeks of receipt.
• The complainant will be informed of the outcome, in writing, by the end of this period.
Group Lead Best Practice.
The Meeting Room
The venue will already have been sourced and booked, it should have easy access to parking be on a
public transport route and have at least one main meeting room with the option of a second or a split
to the one room to allow the breakout sessions for patients and caregivers as is the structure of a
meeting. The meeting must be held in private rooms so that everyone can speak confidentially, in a
safe environment and there is the option for one-to-one support if needed at any time.
Some of the following points may seem obvious, but on occasion they can be missed by the venue
and will need to be addressed to ensure the comfort of the group members and indeed yourself and
the guest speakers.
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Best Practice
• Re-Confirm the room with the venue two days prior to the meeting.
• Is the temperature correct for the room?
• Is there plenty of water and glasses available on a table in the room?
• Are there enough chairs and are they set out correctly for your meeting? Chairs in a
circle/semi-circle as opposed to theatre style? Boardroom style around one large table so that
is included.
• Are extra chairs easily available if more people than expected arrive?
• Are paper and pens supplied – if needed?
• Is there a table for your display table and sample table in the room?
• If any technology was asked for – a projector/screen, is it present and set up?
• Is there a practice fire alarm scheduled during the time frame of the meeting that you need to
be aware of?
• Position the pop-up and display table in a prominent position with good space around it.
Displays
The display table and pop-up should be set up at every meeting of the group – this is to provide
information and samples to group members at every meeting for them to take as and when needed.
It also provides a visual focal point in the room to show that it is a support group meeting of the
charity – important for guest speakers to see who they are talking with and what the charity does.
Best Practice
• If permitted, have a poster up in the venue at an appropriate place to highlight that we meet
there (near front door area)
• The charity pop-up ‘Our Aims’ and display table should be in a prominent position in the
meeting room.
• Have patient & caregiver books, leaflets, samples and any info on the display table available
for each meeting.
• Encourage people to take as many samples as they need and to take posters and leaflets to
spread the word, group members and speakers may be able to display posters at work.
• You will have received a pack of leaflets, Swallows Book, leaflet holders and samples for
your launch meeting. It is advantageous to keep one of everything for reference, more can be
ordered from Sharon: info@theswallows.org.uk
• Please do not contact sample suppliers directly, this is done by the charity for all groups. If
you have any ideas of whom we could contact, please let the Sharon know.
• The donation box is placed on the table as group members may want to give or have held a
coffee morning or been given money from friends/family.
• If it is useful, take photos of your table so you can show it to new volunteers if they are setting
it up for the first time.
The table is a safe place for information for new attendees until they are comfortable to ask questions.
As before, it can be used to display, highlight events, fundraising targets any important information
relating to the charity and the group themselves.
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Speakers
You will have lots of ideas for speakers for the group and using the Suggestions Form each month
will help with feedback from the group members as to what they need/want but maybe do not feel
comfortable to say in the group setting.
Some speakers will be arranged from Head Office as we have several charity partners who dedicate
time and samples to the charity, these may be corporate representatives but have been working with
us for a long time and are aware of the sensitivities of our meetings. As the group progresses and the
awareness of what the group members need unfold this will direct as to the type of speakers that are
preferred, sometimes having a speaker of a more lighted hearted ‘fun’ element can lift the spirits and
be a good alternate month presentation to that of an informative/medical focus.
Once you have booked a speaker, email sharon@theswallows.org.uk to advise.
Best Practice:
Meet/Call the Speaker a few weeks before their Meeting to confirm the following details:
• Date of the meeting and the programme the meeting follows.
• Their presentation to the group should be around 15 minutes, this is to allow the patients and
caregivers as much time as possible to talk about their needs and challenges.
• Advise that attendees may want to talk individually to them at the end of the meeting.
• Request the speaker/s arrive 30 mins before the start of the meeting to get set up.
• Check if any equipment is needed for their presentation.
• Encourage promotional material to hand out and leave for future meetings.
• Encourage them to stay for the whole of the meeting.
Other aspects of the relationship with the speakers that could be useful to the group are:
• We charge a minimum £50 donation to the charity for a company to speak, invoice can be
raised by Sharon and donation must be paid direct to head office.
• Can they/their company donate a raffle prize for the night?
• How can we work together in the future?
• Can they offer any discounts/offers to the Charity and its group members?
Confirm the meeting by email a few days before and cc to: sharon@theswallows.org.uk it may be
that a last-minute speaker is needed and needs to be updated. Take contact details for the speaker on
the night of the meeting in case of any last-minute changes.
Paperwork
As with all things there is paperwork to be completed, this section will list the forms needed, when
they are to be used and where they need to go, this is in line with GDPR and must be adhered to.
Most of these generic forms can be found within this folder or you can order copies from
info@theswallows.org.uk
All completed forms must be forwarded to Head Office to comply with current Data Protection
Legislation. Contact details will be added to the groups database to which you will have access to
your own groups details for contacting if needed.
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Best Practice.
What to take to the meeting
Blank Current monthly registration forms – take each month, send to the charity via the SAE. Do not
keep these or copy them as this is against GDPR regulations.
Blank Current Membership forms - take each month, send to the charity via the SAE. Do not keep
these or copy them as this is against GDPR regulations.
Blank Suggestion forms - take each month and if there are any suggestions send to the charity via the
SAE.
Details of Key people like *Hospital Contacts *Trustees *Charity personnel.
Details of Annual Conference
Reference copy of each current leaflet and Patient and Caregiver Book.
Retain at for your records and copy in Head Office
Correspondence with the Venue – i.e., signed contract for the booking, details of the Venue contact
person.
Venue invoices for payment
Correspondence with Patients/Caregivers – in case of further queries, don’t keep anything which
might contravene Data Protection Legislation
Guest Speaker correspondence
Leading the Meeting
Everyone is different and will lead in different ways which is the joy of each support group that is
part of the charity, however, The Swallows Support Group Meetings have a basic layout requirement
which is intrinsic to the success of the groups and should be adhered to, the meetings happen at the
same time and with the same format across the country on the second Wednesday of every month at
Set Up 18:30, Start the Meeting at 19:00 and finish around 20:30/21:00.
18:45/19:00: Welcome at the door complete attendee registration.
Tea, Coffee, Biscuits on arrival
Raffle Tickets if applicable
19:00 – 19:15: Welcome, Health & Safety, Announcements
19:15 – 19:45: Guest Speaker
19:45 – 19:15: Spilt group Patients from Caregivers (30minutes)
19:15 – 19:30: Comeback together for open discussion
19:30 – 19:35: Remind about next meeting date
19:35 – 19:45: Q&A and general networking
Close
Best Practice
As a volunteer group lead you will be expected to arrive at the meeting location at 6.30pm to
direct/assist with set up. The meeting will be conducted in an appropriate and respectful manner
taking into consideration all group members and guest speakers, you set the mood of the night –
relaxed, welcoming, friendly and understanding – an atmosphere of safety, confidentiality and
acceptance.
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Welcome
• As the members arrive the monthly registration form will need to be completed by each
person attending the meeting – a volunteer can be at a table to assist with this. New members
will have the membership form to fill in on the first meeting they attend, one form for each
person - there may be time at the beginning for this or it can be finished later in the evening
as is appropriate on the night.
• As the meeting is opened give a welcome and aims of the meeting for that evening if needed,
introduce yourself.
• Reiterate the aim of the charity.
*To support anyone who has been affected by Head and Neck Cancer. We are here to listen
and maybe answer all those unanswered questions you still have. We cannot give you medical
advice, but we can tell you where to find it.
• If there are new members explain how the meeting will run to allay and fears and concerns.
• The atmosphere in the meeting should be positive and fun whilst showing genuine concern
for their needs and challenges. Laughter is the best medicine.
Health & Safety
• Check if everyone has signed the register-it will be needed if there is a fire alarm, and the
building needs to be evacuated as group led you will need to check that everyone has made it
to the assembly point
• Run through the fire evacuation procedure for the venue.
• Give/remind of directions to drinks and toilet facilities.
• Remind people to be respect other guests in the venue when leaving.
Announcements
• Remind guests to sign up for the mobile phone App, Community Platform, Whats App Group.
• Highlight the display table and offer samples to take as they need.
• Quick summary of past events especially fundraising totals.
• Upcoming events if any, have leaflets and ask the attendees to spread the word - if volunteers
are needed for the event someone may offer.
• Promote the Annual Head and Neck Cancer Conference at every meeting.
• Remind attendees to fill out the suggestion form if they have any ideas.
Guest Speaker
• Introduce the speaker and invite them to take the floor.
• If the speaker will take questions advise that that will happen after the presentation r in open
session at the end
Split Discussion (Patients & Caregivers)
• Introduce the split discussion if needed to help new members understand the reason behind it.
• This should begin at approximately 19:45 to allow 30mins of time for the group to split into
patients and caregivers separately, this is to allow the freedom of speech and the flow of honest
discussion in the two groups.
• If there is only one caregiver at the meeting clearly this will not be possible – if there are two
caregiverx from separate patients still offer the split discussion session.
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• As group lead you should walk the room and listen to each conversation and help out, if
appropriate – in the group you correspond with i.e., patient group lead with the patient group
and caregiver lead with the caregiver group.
• If you have volunteers helping in the meetings - they can join the appropriate group.
• If needed flash cards can be used to ‘spark’ topics of conversation which you feel might help
the group – these must be produced and branded by the charity, please advise what you need.
**Be aware of and manage
Closing
• Volunteers who tend to talk more about their own journey (I-I-I, me- me- me) and not
giving time to group members to talk.
• Patients or Caregivers who are giving every little detail of their journey and are limiting
others’ opportunities to speak.
• Anyone who may benefit from an individual chat.
• Thank the guest speaker.
• Encourage the attendees to spread the word about the group.
• Highlight again the display table and to take samples.
• Remind attendees to fill out the suggestion form if they have any ideas.
• Any points you feel need clarified/concluded that came from the meetings presentation or
discussion.
• “The Next meeting is on Wednesday ………. we hope to see you at the next meeting and
thank you for attending today”
Once the meeting is officially closed, attendees can stay and chat as volunteers and/or yourself break
down the display table and pop-up stand.
Volunteer Role
As well as your own role as a Volunteer Group Lead you may be fortunate enough to have some
others to help with the group – with meeting set-up, with fundraising, with Health & Wellbeing events
etc.
**Volunteer applications must be filled in before anyone can help with the group as references need
to be checked, please direct those interested to the website to apply.
Once the volunteers are in place as the Group Lead, they will come to you with any queries and advise
you if ill and unable to attend meetings/events.
Best Practice
• Volunteers could:
o meet and greet the group attendees on arrival for a warm welcome.
o sit with the monthly registration sheet to ensure all have ‘signed in’.
o be responsible for the set up and breakdown of the display table and pop-up stand.
o help with breakout groups if you are comfortable that they will not focus on themselves
but will focus on the group members and their needs.
o assist with events.
o lead fundraising activities.
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Volunteers will receive the same guidelines as yourself but not the detail surrounding Group Lead,
please be aware that some volunteers may not have had a great deal of experience of those who have
been through cancer or caring – they may have a great passion but need to be guided as to what are
the expectations and need direction.
Fundraising
This is an aspect of the charity that can be uncomfortable for some and there may be members of the
group who will not be keen to take part, there is no obligation for anyone to do so.
Fundraising is a difficult subject as a charity cannot continue without funds, and whilst applications
for grants, sponsorship and the charity shop income helps to fund the charity there is always a need
for more to open new groups such as yourselves.
Keeping Fundraising FUN is key – ideas from within the group, from family members and local
businesses supporting events can not only help with the FUN aspect but will raise awareness of the
group, the charity and the support head and neck cancer patients and carers can need.
Ideas – you will have your own but here are a few basic ones that can raise money and awareness
within the local community.
• Raffles held each month are a way to have some fun each month – these can be donated by
group members, local businesses, anyone who hears that the group does a raffle every month.
• Coffee mornings are always a winner – a cuppa, cake and a chat! Maybe a local bakery or
coffee shop could support with this.
• Sponsorship activities
• A summer social? A Christmas Ball? A concert?
As well as money for the charity it may be that the group want to focus on raising money for
equipment for the hospital – keep in touch with the Charity Executive and plans for support can be
put into place and social media updated.
**All publicity must go through the charity for approval**
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TYPES OF TREATMENT
This is basic information only and can be used to give to anyone enquiring about helping the group
to raise their awareness if they have never been involved with cancer patients.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. There are over 200
different types of cancer and over 50 chemotherapy drugs, some of which are given on their own but
often several are given together - this is known as combination chemotherapy.
It can be used to:
• shrink a cancer before an operation so that it can be more easily removed.
• destroy any invisible remaining cancer cells left after surgery.
• shrink any remaining cancer that couldn’t be completely removed with surgery.
• to shrink and control more advanced cancers.
Chemotherapy is given as a series of sessions followed by a rest period – each session and rest period
are known as a cycle – and a series of cycles makes up a course of treatment.
Treatment can be administered:
• Orally
• By injection into the muscle or subcutaneously
• By injection into a body cavity e.g., the bladder
• Intravenously in regular day patient appointments which may take between half an hour
or a few hours.
Attending hospital for chemotherapy may involve considerable waiting as patients may have to have
their blood taken, wait for blood test results and have their chemotherapy prepared by the pharmacist
before it can be administered.
The length of time it takes to give chemotherapy varies considerably and some treatments need a
“pre-med” of drugs before starting the infusion.
Intravenous chemotherapy treatments are administered in the following ways:
• a cannula – a small tube inserted into a vein in the arm or back of the hand.
• a central line – a thin flexible tube inserted through the skin of the chest into a vein near the
heart.
• a PICC line (peripherally inserted central catheter) – a thin flexible tube passed into a vein in
the upper arm and threaded through until the end lies in a vein near the heart.
• Implantable port – a thin plastic tube put into a vein with an opening just under the skin of the
chest or arm.
Side effects of chemotherapy
• reduction in white blood cells leading to a reduced resistance to infection.
• Anaemia – tiredness, lethargy, breathlessness
• Increased bleeding or bruising
• Hair may fall out.
• Nausea and vomiting – however there are now very effective treatments to prevent and
control this side effect.
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• Diarrhoea and constipation
• Sore mouth – mouth ulcers
• Tiredness
• Dry skin and nails
• Pins and needles
• Tinnitus
• Change in kidney function.
• Dizziness, anxiety, headaches.
• Chemotherapy can affect skin’s natural moisture because it reduces the amount of oil the
glands secrete. Skin can be helped by using moisturiser more frequently, or by using a heavier
weight moisturiser. During the day, use a product that protects your skin from the sun,
blocking UVA and UVB rays.
• Be sure to use a gentle, moisturising soap or cleansing cream, and avoid soaps with heavy
deodorants or scents. Soaps for babies may be a good choice because they’re usually mild and
perfume free.
Radiotherapy
• Radiotherapy is the use of carefully measured doses of radiation to destroy abnormal cells in
the body and is administered by Therapeutic Radiologists.
• It destroys the cancer cells in the treated area and although normal cells are also damaged,
they can usually recover.
• This treatment may be given before or after surgery/ chemotherapy, alongside chemotherapy
or on its own.
• For some types of radiotherapy treatment, a patient may need to go to hospital each weekday
for between two and seven weeks. At each appointment a small dose of radiotherapy is given
to allow healthy cells time to recover.
• Each treatment is called a “fraction” and the radiotherapy is delivered by machines called
Linear Accelerators
• Each treatment is individually planned for each patient and usually takes 10-15 minutes or
less, including the time taken to position the patient. It is painless and does not make the
patient radioactive.
• It is perfectly safe for a patient receiving radiotherapy to be with other people, including
children, throughout their course of treatment.
Side effects of radiotherapy
• Tiredness – some patients may feel excessively tired or exhausted with a debilitating
fatigue that is not relieved by rest.
• Skin reactions – change in skin colour, rashes, soreness, irritation or peeling around site
of radiotherapy. Sensitivity to the sun
• Loss of appetite – digestive problems
Skin that receives radiation treatment has an increased risk of developing skin cancer in the future
and it is very important to take extra precautions to protect the skin within the radiation treatment
field from the sun.
Effects of Cancer Treatments
• It is important to be aware that patients may react differently to their treatments.
• Facial hair may be lost, and skin can be more sensitive.
• Skin can be more sensitive to sunlight, wind or other elements.
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• Patients may be more sensitive to smells.
• Some drugs can affect the skin. It may become dry or slightly discoloured which may be made
worse by swimming, especially if there is chlorine in the water. Patients should always tell
their doctor if they develop any rashes.
Skin and Sun Precautions
• Excessive exposure to the sun is responsible for much of the skin damage associated with
aging. It’s also the leading cause of skin cancer – by far the most common form of cancer
diagnosed today.
• It takes as little as 15 minutes for the sun’s ultraviolet rays to harm your skin, even though it
may take up to 12 hours for your skin to show a sunburn.
• Serious sunburns can increase the risk of developing more serious forms of skin cancer –
malignant melanoma, later in life.
• It is important to always protect the skin when outside, even when it’s cloudy. Use products
that have the proper SPF, or sun protection factor.
• An SPF tells you how long you can stay in the sun without getting sunburn. For example – if
you usually start to burn after about 20 minutes, proper use of products with an SPF factor of
15 will protect you for about 5 hours (15 times 20 = 300 minutes)
• Studies show that products with an SPF of 30 provide great protection from harmful
ultraviolet rays. Higher SPF’s are not better.
• Sunscreen users often apply only half of the recommended amount, so they receive only half
of the SPF protection the product offers e.g., if you apply half as much SPF 30 as is
recommended, you only get the protection of an SPF 15.
• Don’t forget to treat lips. They contain few oil and sweat glands and no melanin (a protective
chemical in the rest of your skin). They are not protected from moisture robbing ultraviolet
rays. Instead of using lip balms that contain camphor, menthol or phenol, use products with
moisture sealing ingredients and SPF protection.
Tips for healthy looking skin
• Learn to sleep on your back, preferably with your head elevated. This reduces puffiness most
of us see in the mirror each morning. You might want to invest in a form fitting pillow that
will help keep your head upright.
• Don’t smoke. The heat and smoke of the cigarette itself will constrict your blood vessels and
cause wrinkles. And overuse of the muscles used to draw in the smoke can cause just as many
wrinkles.
• Don’t use alcohol-containing products on your face. They’re too drying, even for oily skin.
• Don’t wash your face more than twice a day, unless you exercise. In that case, be sure to wash
away any sweat that could be drying to your face as it evaporates. You might also consider a
non-soap skin cleanser.
Healthy Nails
• Chemotherapy may make nails grow more slowly or become brittle/flaky.
• Sometimes the shape or colour may change, or white lines appear across them.
• False nails and nail varnish can be used to disguise
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Contact details.
The Swallows Head office 01253 428940 info@theswallows.org.uk
Sharon Curtis, Charity Manager 07572 428 874 sharon@theswallows.org.uk
Chris Curtis, Chief Executive Officer 07779 169833 chris@theswallows.org.uk
24/7 Support Line 07504 7250059 N/A
Head Office Address
The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity
68-70 Waterloo Road
South Shore
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 1AB
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VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Confidentiality Statement
All volunteers who have access to personal information have a responsibility by which they are bound
to the patient/caregiver, The charity, the community and themselves. The charity patient and caregiver
act in good faith, expecting that their circumstances and personal matters will remain confidential.
Thus, we are obliged by both law and ethics to honour this trust.
Though not all-inclusive, the following is presented to provide some guidelines about confidentiality.
1. No identifying information about the charity patients and caregivers (names, addresses, social
security numbers, physical disabilities etc) should be revealed to anyone outside The charity
and only to those to whom the information is necessary for the welfare of the patient/carer.
2. Discussing personal circumstances concerning a patient/carer, even though names, addresses
or other details are not revealed, is also considered a breach of confidentiality. That is, a
volunteer might possibly describe in detail personal circumstances and information
concerning a patient/carer for whom they have provided volunteer services, and even the name
and address is not revealed, this descriptive material may jeopardize the patient/carers right
to privacy. Thus, the discussion or description of a patient/carers personal information or
circumstances is considered detrimental to the patient/carers right to confidentiality.
3. The fact that a case has been made public through the news media does not alter the fact that
the individual still has confidentiality privileges within The Swallows. Thus, in these
situations, confidentiality should still be maintained.
All volunteers working directly with The Swallows patient/carers are asked to sign the following oath
to respect the confidentiality of those they meet through their volunteer service at The Swallows. This
oath will be kept on file.
Volunteer signature: _____________________________
(Please Print): __________________________________ Date: ____________
Witnessed by: __________________________________
(Please Print): __________________________________ Date: ____________
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Hard Copies of Paperwork
Reorder copies by emailing Sharon
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