Welcome to our February newsletter!
Read the full newsletter here.
Self Help UK launches 1st Community Hub
Our Deaf Cancer Support Project celebrated a major milestone with the launch of its first Community Hub at the Derby Deaf Centre in January. It was wonderful to see so many organisations and community members come together. Representatives from the British Deaf Association (BDA), Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD), SORD (Social Research with Deaf people) and others joined us to share information and connect with attendees. The Hub provides a safe space for Deaf individuals affected by cancer to share experiences and access valuable resources. We’re excited to open more Hubs soon! Follow the project on our Deaf Cancer Support UK Facebook page.
Community events
We’ve been out at various events in the past month, including the Bestwood and Sherwood Community Health and Wellbeing Hub in January. It was great to meet with people and share information about our Nottinghamshire-based services, in particular our Beyond Diagnosis Cancer Support Service in partnership with Macmillan. Together, we’re helping people live life well after a cancer diagnosis. Find out more about the service and how to make a referral here.
National Student Volunteering Week 10-16 February
From the beginning, staff were impressed by Ha Dan’s enthusiasm and eagerness to support us and to learn. Ha Dan is currently supporting a client to come to terms with their cancer diagnosis. The client speaks very positively about the support she receives from Ha Dan.
It’s always great when students apply to volunteer with us, as they come with transferable skills, passion, commitment and a desire to learn and grow, all of which shows in what they bring to their roles… read more.
Student volunteer stories
Francine – Emotional Support Volunteer – says: “This experience has allowed me to develop my transferable skills such as communication and listening skills. In wanting to be a doctor, I think it is very important to learn from early on how to emotionally connect with people and to be able to understand them.”
For more information about volunteering with Self Help UK, please visit our website.
Welcome new trustees
We’re thrilled to welcome our new cohort of Trustees! Trustees play a crucial role in guiding the governance and strategic direction of any charity. We’re excited to embrace the fresh ideas, diverse skills, and wealth of experience they will bring. For National Student Volunteering Week 10-16 February 2025, we hear from Ben – an undergraduate student currently studying at the University of Cambridge. He tells us why he joined our Board and what he’s excited about bringing to the role – read more.
Peer Support Group Starter Kit
Want to set up your own peer support group? Not sure where to start? Our Peer Support Group Starter Kit has everything you need. Learners have told us the course is easy to use, informative and useful.
Not sure this course is for you? Try it out! Create an account and complete the first module for FREE.
Enter our Lottery Super Draw!
- Tickets cost just £1 a week
- Chances to win up to £25,000
- Play weekly, or just play the Super Draw
- Support us in 2025
See website for terms & conditions. Enter by 22/02/25.
Nottingham ‘Stronger Together’ Cancer Support Group
Join this friendly, safe space to share your experiences of cancer and connect with others. Next meeting: Wednesday 5th March 2025. Contact: Anett Horvath, phone/text: 07951 496 784 or email: [email protected].
FREE Harmless Training
Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and NHS Nottingham & Nottinghamshire ICB have commissioned Harmless to deliver a range of Mental Health Awareness, Self Harm Awareness, Suicide Prevention and Suicide Bereavement courses. This training is FREE to people working or volunteering in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire with people of all ages in specific sectors – check their website for more details.
Nottinghamshire Care Services Directory
Created in association with Nottinghamshire Care Association, the Nottinghamshire Adult Social Care Directory can help you find care services near you. There’s guidance on the types of care available, council payments towards the cost of care, accessing care services, and what support is available for carers. The Directory also contains details of all the CQC registered care services in Nottinghamshire, including care homes, nursing homes and home care providers.
Co(l)laboratory Research Placement
The Co(l)laboratory Research Placement is a fully funded part-time opportunity for candidates who do not currently hold postgraduate degrees to work on real research projects that explore innovative solutions to community challenges while gaining valuable academic research experience and participating in PhD-level training and events. Applications close 11:59 pm Sunday 02 March 2025. Applications link.
About Co(l)laboratory
The Co(l)laboratory programme, part of the Universities for Nottingham Civic Agreement, is an eight-year ambitious project which aims to bring together academia and the community to support growth and development within communities, broaden prospects, drive change, and improve wellbeing.
