A big THANK YOU from Helpline

As a new year begins, and the Helpline re-opens after the festive break, we wanted to say pass on a couple of ‘thank yous’.  

We are so humbled that you took the time to donate to our ‘Help the Helpline’ campaign. Being able to talk to you all when you call us is so important to us, not only to initially answer your questions but to also feed into our wider work.  From the outside it may seem that we just provide a service but as fellow patients, with families and loved ones, we care and often reflect on how your calls enables us to champion your voices. 

We also wanted to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who voted for us in Slater and Gordon’s Charity of the Year programme. We are a much smaller charity than some of the other organisations shortlisted, but the work we do is just as important, so we’re grateful for all your support. 

At our first morning catch-up the team talked about our resolutions for 2025 and laughed about how these traditionally fail, some by the 2nd January!  The saying ‘small intentions’ was mentioned, and the phrase struck a chord. For us, ‘small intentions’ are simple, thoughtful gestures intended to make someone else's day better.  We are going to bring this approach to answering your Helpline calls throughout the year, they may be small but every second of your calls counts.   

We know it can seem helpless at times, that no one can help, or that the system won’t listen to common sense.  But we also know that there are people within health and social care roles that are dedicated, passionate and want the best for their patients.  

Our Chief Executive, Rachel Power was recently on Radio 4's You and Yours programme and it was obvious that amongst the darkness of long waiting times, unknowns and fear there are the glimmers of great treatment, kindness from staff, and quality care.  

It is difficult when you see a loved one struggling or you are in pain yourself to see that glimmer of hope, but it is there. As is our Helpline, you can call 0800 345 7115 or email [email protected] and together we can share the load, reflect and hopefully find a way forward.