TWO charities have joined forces to provide specialist help and support for people affected by brain tumours for local people living in Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Coventry.

Bristol based charity Brain Tumour Support (formerly Hammer Out) and Macmillan Cancer Support have established a three year partnership, appointing six Brain Tumour Support workers across the South West and Midlands.

Louise Tully who is based in Exhall, Coventry, is one of the support workers, and has been in post since July covering the Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Coventry catchment area.

Like her counterparts, she has been trained by Brain Tumour Support's existing team of support workers and counsellors.

Louise said: “Since starting my role, I’ve been helping Brain Tumour Support to become more visible and accessible to those who need its help within the community I cover.

"The support that I provide is diverse, ranging from practical help, for example finding hospital accommodation for relatives and friends to stay in while their loved one has surgery through to providing information leaflets on a subject which is confusing and complicated, such as understanding brain tumours, radiotherapy, chemotherapy etc.

"However, much of what I do is simply listening and being there for people when they need someone. No two people will have the same experience so my aim is to tailor the support to meet the patient, carer and their loved ones needs, where possible. I run a monthly support group in Worcester and co-facilitate a group in Coventry both of which are open to all who have sadly embarked on a brain tumour journey.

"Whether you are the patient, carer, family member or friend, these can be helpful in providing you with an opportunity to talk with people who are on a similar journey. To access help please contact me on 07711 597168 or the Support Services line (local rate) on 0845 450 1039.”

More information is available from Rosemary Wormington, Brain Tumour Support's head of support on 01454 414355.

People who have worries or questions about cancer can visit macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00.