MATT WILLIAMS

COLUMNIST

THE words Marie Curie conjure up images either of the scientist, or of nurses providing vital support to people in hospices or in their own homes.

But our services reach an even wider number than those we provide direct care for.

Whether you have practical questions or just want someone to talk to, our trained team on the Marie Curie Information and Support Line, based in Pontypool and open to people across Wales and the UK, are here to listen and give you the information you need.

No referral to the line or Marie Curie services is necessary.

People can also get information and support via online chat on the charity’s website – and via social media too.

Marie Curie launched the new social media support service in 2018 after noticing an increase in requests for support on social media and we believe it allows us to reach a wider number of people who are affected by terminal illness.

Not everyone is obviously asking for support when they comment on posts, we see people saying things like “I wish I could speak to someone”, so we can respond and say “we’re here for you and there isn’t a time limit on when you can speak to us”, which will often lead to a supportive conversation through social media, or even a call.

And now we are expanding the service further to offer callers the chance to speak to a Marie Curie specialist palliative care nurse.

We have been preparing for the service over the past few months, and as of last month the Pontypool team can transfer callers to a specialist palliative care nurse based in the Cardiff and Vale Hospice who can provide information and support to clinical questions.

The nurse team completed helpline training to join the line which took its first calls on January 24.

Nurses are available Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm and can be reached via the Support Line number 0800 090 2309.

This service is to provide information and support to members of the public to better understand treatments and symptoms of terminal illness, giving people reassurance, confidence and comfort.

The team will not provide advice or recommendations and the nurse line is not an emergency or referral service.

However, though this service is offered for free, it doesn’t operate for free. The Information and Support service is not commissioned by any NHS trust or health board, and relies solely on donations from the public to continue running.

That’s why, in particular at this time of year, it’s vital that people understand how fundraising can help support Marie Curie’s services.

This month and next, our Great Daffodil Appeal – the biggest annual fundraiser for Marie Curie – will see volunteer collectors out and about collecting donations in return for one of our iconic daffodil pins.

Make sure to say hello to anyone you see collecting – and please donate for a daffodil if you can.

The Support Line is open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 11am-5pm on Saturday.

■ Matt Williams, Support Line manager for Marie Curie