It feels good to help

When we’re facing challenges in life, support can mean everything. Feeling supported can make a big difference to our quality of life, and it can be equally rewarding to know you’ve helped someone else. 

We’re often afraid of saying the wrong thing to someone going through a hard time, but if you’re open, honest and show concern you can be a great support.

Here are some tips that might help:

• -Say if you feel awkward – it acknowledges the situation rather than pretending it’s not happening
• -Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you’re thinking of them
• -Let them know that if they want to talk you’ll be there to listen
• -Respect their need for privacy
• -Share a joke or laugh with them if this seems appropriate
• -Unless they’ve specifically asked you to, staying away is rarely helpful 
• -Try not to tell them to be ‘strong’ or ‘positive’ or offer advice they haven’t asked for. It puts pressure on them to behave a certain way
• -Avoid offering advice they haven’t asked for or compare their situation to someone else you know    

It feels good to help

Barbara, who lives in Basingstoke, was supported by Wessex Cancer Support in 1995 after being diagnosed with cancer of the womb. The care she received, and the way people treated her, meant a huge amount at a really difficult time. Recently, she decided she wanted to give back to the charity who supported her and so decided to make a large gift to Wessex Cancer Support.

She says:

“Wessex Cancer Support made a big impact on my life and I wanted to be able to give something back so they can continue to provide vital support to others in the same situation.”