THANKS to charitable donations, a successful psychological support project for cancer patients across Hywel Dda has been awarded additional funding to extend the lifetime of the project.

The funding from Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, will ensure that a team of specialist counsellors can continue to provide psychological support for people affected by cancer, and the cancer workforce.

The Cancer Psychological Support Service (CaPS) project launched as a pilot back in 2019. It provides psychological support to patients with cancer and their families and carers as well as training and educational support to cancer professionals, enhancing their skills in supporting cancer patients.

The service prides itself on having no waiting list and is completely flexible around the needs of patients, carers and staff.

The project also supports the emotional burden of the cancer workforce. Staff will receive supportive supervision by the specialist cancer counsellors, one-to-one support, teamwork and innovative approaches that support resilience.

Lead Cancer Nurse Gina Beard, who oversees the project, said: “There has been really positive feedback about the benefits of the project to cancer patients and their carers, especially those who have been isolating during the pandemic.

“We are thrilled that the pilot project will be extended, because we have real evidence of the huge value of the counselling service to our cancer patients and staff.”