We are at a turning point, with an opportunity for change in the next few weeks, and I know that as an advocacy organisation we truly hope that this brings reform to our healthcare system – all of it. I believe this will require a momentous shift, a cross party agreement and forward thinking, a 10-year plan that can be consistent and focused on the physical and mental health of our country. Focused on access & equity around care and support for all, of course a recognition of the less common cancers, and of the work of third sector organisations that is ongoing & increasing in complexity and remit. I hope people have seen our monthly round ups which cover the top line work that is happening in-house, or maybe attended a Webi-Natter or a Natter support group . Maybe you have spoken to our support team or utilised our psychotherapy services. Or maybe you have used our new handbook to understand all there is to know about neuroendocrine cancer. Whatever service you may have used I truly hope it has helped a little. We are here for you, and to do the best we can, we need to know what you think. We launched a survey a few weeks ago and we need to increase the responses, so we have a fair representation of our community. If you have 10 minutes, please do click this link and have your say: CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SURVEY June 2024 has another reflective element and that is that of the future of Neuroendocrine Cancer UK. How can we be as effective and useful as possible with the funds we have. Our last financial year (October 2022-September 2023) saw the following split of resources: CLICK HERE TO VIEW The next few months will be all about the next 3 years, as we pull together a new strategy based on evidence, national statistics, external policy, and political influences and most importantly your voice, your thoughts, and your feedback. We need to adapt to the continuing challenges around recognition, adequate evidence-based education, and awareness about neuroendocrine cancer to those in the dark about the true nature of the disease, the impact of a diagnosis and the need for people with a diagnosis to be seen by the right person, in the right place at the right time. The new strategy will be streamlined and focused but fully aligned with our mission: to support and inform patients and families from diagnosis, enabling access to the best care and treatment whilst stimulating neuroendocrine cancer research, increasing national awareness, and influencing improvements in outcomes. Thank you as always to all the wonderful people who help us, who raise awareness of neuroendocrine cancers, who advocate for change and who have a vision of collaboration – the only way to help people in a complex healthcare system that is itself under so much pressure. ‘We should be lifting each other up and cheering each other on, not trying to outshine one another. The sky would be awfully dark with just one star’. I believe (or want to believe) that everyone is doing their best often with limited resources and through challenging times.
Cathy
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www.neuroendocrinecancer.org.uk
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