Following a cancer diagnosis and a treatment programme of surgery and chemotherapy, Phd student Tom was referred to Bristol Community Health’s One-to-One Cancer Support Service, run in partnership with Macmillan. The support he received was crucial to his well-being during a difficult and worrying time.

“From the first session, Kath listened carefully, then laid out all the options that were available to me. At the time, my main source of anxiety was managing my university course, as I was in my final year. Kath considered everything; she even scheduled meetings with other services such as the Citizens Advice Bureau - so I could apply for financial funding and continue studying.

“As I recovered, I was visited at home every other week and then once a month by Kath. Having Kath’s experience to hand and the structure of tasks to achieve for the next session gave me a lot of reassurance. It meant I could relax at home, and I knew great advice would just flow in - I just had to follow it.

“The service gave me stability and support. It hasn’t always been easy, but having Kath’s support meant I could focus on getting better.”

“The service gave me stability and support. It hasn’t always been easy, but having Kath’s support meant I could focus on getting better and didn’t have to worry about logistics. It wasn’t really until Kath pointed out I was doing okay, and how far I’d come from when she first met me, that I believed it”.

Tom has now been discharged from the service and is due to complete his PhD this year.

Find out more about our Heart Failure, Telehealth, One to One Cancer Support and COPD services.