Leukaemia Care statement regarding Coronavirus – COVID-19

Statement from Leukaemia Care regarding Coronavirus - COVID-19

LAST UPDATED: 1/9/2020

Changes to Leukaemia Care’s services

Most of our services continue to run with some changes to make it safer and easier to access for patients and their families. 

Helpline

Our helpline (Freephone 08088 010 444) is available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and Thursday and Friday evenings from 7 to 10 pm.  You can also contact us using WhatsApp or email support@leukaemiacare.org.uk

Although Leukaemia Care is unable to give medical advice about an individual situation, we can provide you with general information and emotional support during this challenging time.  We also encourage you to contact your medical team for advice that is specific to your blood cancer.

Support groups

Our face to face support group meetings are currently on hold and are being held online instead.  We have over 50 virtual support groups, and you can find out how to join one here.

Webinars

Join a Leukaemia Care webinar live to hear the latest developments from leading clinicians, or catch-up by watching the recorded sessions.   

https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/support-for-you/online-webinars/

Facebook support groups

Our private groups on Facebook continue to provide people with the opportunity to connect and share in a supportive environment.

You can find a full list of our Closed Facebook groups here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/LeukaemiaCare/groups/ 

Online forum

Join our online forum hosted at HealthUnlocked to connect with fellow patients.

https://healthunlocked.com/leukaemia-care

Patient Information Days, nurse conferences and GP events

Our face to face events for 2020 are cancelled and we are currently developing webinars on a wider range of topics to address this.

Financial advice

Our Welfare and Advocacy Officer can help you to access support if you are struggling financially.  Please contact advocacy@leukaemiacare.org.uk or call the helpline on 08088 010 444.  Visit our blog for further information

https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/financial-support-for-blood-cancer-patients-affected-by-coronavirus/

Advice on shielding

All this information is available on the Government website, but we have broken this information down for you in an easy to read blog.

https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/shielding-for-people-with-blood-cancers-faqs/

For more information about self-isolation, including help finding financial support, dealing with employers and assistance with government support, please email advocacy@leukaemiacare.org.uk.

Advice on travel

Leukaemia Care are not able to give specific advice about going on or cancelling a booked holiday due to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Please check the Government website for advice about foreign travel, which is updated regularly regarding coronavirus https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

If you are worried about the risk of infection while travelling, please speak to your medical team.

It is advisable to take out appropriate travel insurance for all holidays, checking the exclusions and cancellation terms for any policies you may have. You can find out more information about travel insurance on our website, or email advocacy@leukaemiacare.org.uk for assistance.

London Marathon and other sporting events in aid of Leukaemia Care

Leukaemia Care is closely monitoring the situation and if events are cancelled, we will be in touch with our participants as soon as possible.  If you have any questions about your participation in any of our events, please email events@leukaemiacare.org.uk

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