Practical support when coping with cancer pain

Practical support Back to top

If your pain means that you can’t move around easily, you may need specialist equipment or people to help you in your daily life.

The British Red Cross| has a branch in every county, and their volunteers can help you in many ways, including shopping, posting letters and changing library books. They also lend equipment, such as wheelchairs and commodes, for nursing someone at home, and they can provide you with a trained volunteer helper if you need help going places such as the hospital.

If your pain is causing any kind of disability, there are many organisations that provide equipment that can help you.

The Disabled Living Foundation| runs a helpful information service. It also has specialist advisers and occupational therapists who can give personal advice on aids and specialist equipment, including special cutlery, walking aids and wheelchairs. DIAL UK| also gives information and advice to disabled people.

Good neighbour scheme

Some areas have a ‘good neighbour scheme’. The schemes can organise help - for example, shopping, providing company or offering transport - for someone living locally every so often. These schemes are usually run by the social services or local community organisations. Some are only available to people living alone. Look for ‘Council for Voluntary Service’ or ‘Volunteer Bureau’ in the phone book or online.

Financial help and benefits Back to top

We have detailed information about the financial help| that might be available to you, as well as practical advice about travelling| when you have cancer.