People Focused Group and RDaSH partnership for peer support in cancer and cardiac rehabilitation services

Last week marked the successful launch of an exciting partnership between People Focused Group and RDaSH (Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust), aimed at providing peer support services in Cancer Support Services and Cardiac Rehabilitation.

This innovative collaboration brings together a dedicated team of paid peer supporters who will work alongside individuals with lived experience of cancer and cardiac conditions.

By sharing their knowledge and compassion, these supporters will offer invaluable assistance to patients and their families navigating the complexities of long-term health challenges.

Operating across Doncaster, the peer support initiative focuses on several key objectives:

• Providing Valuable Support: The team will offer emotional and practical support to individuals undergoing treatment for cancer and cardiac issues and their families, ensuring they feel understood and empowered throughout their journey.
• Promoting Early Diagnosis: By raising awareness and educating the community about signs and symptoms, the partnership aims to encourage early diagnosis, potentially improving health outcomes for individuals facing these conditions.
• Building Peer Groups: Creating peer support groups fosters a sense of community, allowing individuals to share experiences, coping strategies, and encouragement with one another.

"Our partnership with RDaSH represents a significant step forward in the support available to those experiencing cancer and cardiac conditions," said Kelly Hicks from People Focused Group.

"By harnessing the power of lived experience and peer support, we can create a more compassionate and informed community. Having experienced breast cancer twice I know first hand the value of having people who really understand walking alongside"

Both organisations are committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals facing long-term health conditions in Doncaster. With the collaborative efforts of peer supporters and professionals, this project aims to change the narrative around cancer and cardiac rehabilitation, promoting relationships and hope.