A session with Specialist Counsellor – Sarah Proud
20 Oct 2021
Last week Sarah Proud – Specialist Counsellor (part of the Cancer Psychology team at York and Scarborough Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust) visited York Against Cancer to talk to the staff about how to manage difficult and often emotional situations in the workplace.
When someone walks through our office doors looking for support or information about using our services – that person may be dealing with the shock of a recent diagnosis or experiencing grief after losing a close friend or family member to cancer – we want to get that support offering right and Sarah joined us to give us a few pointers on how to do just that.
Julie Russell, General Manager at York Against Cancer said “The work we do here can be emotional and Sarah provided some really useful tips around helpful language, reducing anxiety and experimenting with silence to give someone the time to process what it is they want to say.
We want our headquarters to be a place to come to that’s welcoming and supportive and although we’re not medically trained, we work alongside a large network of professionals that we can signpost to, to get someone the appropriate support.
We really appreciate Sarah giving us her time and advice – we came away feeling reassured that most of the time we do get it right!”
Specialist Counsellor – Sarah Proud with York Against Cancer General Manager – Julie Russell
Sarah went on to say “It’s been a difficult 18 months/2 years for everyone – cancer patients haven’t had the opportunity to meet with friends and family to discuss their worries like in “normal” times – the added stress of the pandemic, being high risk / clinically vulnerable, isolated – there’s been so much additional stress to manage.
York Against Cancer are an outstanding local cancer charity offering those ‘nice to have’ extras – their services are invaluable. With every bit of sadness, York Against Cancer bring some happiness – a special memory like staying with family at the holiday home or making a new friend on the mini-bus.”
It’s perfectly normal to experience a roller coaster of emotions when you or someone you love receives a cancer diagnosis – there’s no right or wrong way to feel.
Whatever you’re feeling, the York Against Cancer team are here to listen, without judgement.
Have a look at the resources on our website here or call in to see us at York Community Stadium, Kathryn Avenue, Huntington, York, YO32 9AF.
