Action Cancer, Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity, is celebrating recognition for its ground breaking Listening Ear Service with a National Training Award. The National Training Awards (NTA) identifies and celebrates organisations and individuals that have achieved really outstanding business and personal success through investment in training.

 

Action Cancer Training & Development Officer, Elizabeth Boyd celebrated the Award with compére Jenni Falconer at a prestigious Ceremony in the Culloden Hotel Cultra and said, “The Listening Ear Service is available to any individual with a cancer diagnosis or any friend or family member affected by the cancer diagnosis. It offers an individual “Time Out” from everyday pressures to talk, receive information or to even sit and cry.”

 

 “In today´s highly competitive and ever-changing economic climate, training is more important than ever and Action Cancer’s credibility and reputation as a force for good has been further enhanced. It has provided us with a boost as we focus on delivering on our business purpose – saving lives and supporting people”

 

The LES has 50 accredited volunteers across Northern Ireland and in a further expansion of the service it was also announced that teachers and senior pupils in schools regionally are to receive accredited training to support pupils who are diagnosed or their friends or family members. Plans are in place to establish the service within community centres, health centres and local hospitals where it is most relevant and needed.

 

One service user living with cancer diagnosis said, "The Action Cancer Listening Ear Service allows me to say how I was really feeling; at my own pace in a caring understanding and supportive environment.  Cancer entered my life univited and my whole family was reeling with the shock.  I really felt that the volunteer was there for me and I have moved on, one day at a time."

 

Action Cancer’s submission for the National Training Award was on the basis that achieving an Award would raise the profile of the service and show how a valuable and professional service can be delivered by a team of volunteers who have received accredited training to assist with their capability and professionalism.

 

Action Cancer volunteers completed an 8 week course incorporating modules on Cancer Awareness (exploring the cancer journey & those affected and their needs); Stress Management; Speaking and Listening Skills; Dealing with the outcomes of the session with Information, Advice and Guidance.

 

A LES Volunteer commented “I found the listening and basic counselling skills very beneficial. We did role-playing and at the start I found it difficult, thinking about what to do, what not to do or say. After receiving my accreditation I feel it is such a rewarding experience and I am grateful that I can now offer my skills and support whenever it is called upon.””

 

Anyone interested in further information on the Listening Ear Service can call Action Cancer on 90803344

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