Supporting people living with a brain tumour

We are Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, a registered charity dedicated to supporting those affected by, or living with, a primary brain tumour in the Yorkshire region. 

Our vision is clear and simple; to cure a devastating disease that affects so many people. Whilst we are working to find a cure, we will provide the best patient and family support network we can.

Approximately 15 people every week are diagnosed with a brain tumour in Yorkshire. We understand how that diagnosis can turn lives upside down, causing all kinds of feelings of worry, fear and uncertainty. We want to make sure that no one in the situation feels alone and that everyone has access to the best support possible.

“We want people to know that yes, brain tumours completely change your life, but you are not on your own. There is help for you and all your family and friends.” – YBTC Supporter

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Many people affected by a brain tumour talk about feeling isolated or alone. They can often struggle to talk to friends or loved ones, thinking that they have to protect them or perhaps are unsure of what to say. We know how helpful it can be to meet others who understand how you might be feeling and so that is why we offer support groups for patients, carers and their loved ones, as well as for those who have sadly been bereaved.

Our support groups are a safe space for people to spend time with others going through a similar experience and gives them a place to share stories, ask questions or just talk. Many find it helpful to hear others dealing with the same worries or thinking the same thoughts; it helps them feel that they are not alone.

“I don’t know how I would have got through the last year without you. The online groups have been a lifeline and I feel like I have made lifelong friends.” - Brain tumour patient

•   In 2020, we held 21 Support Groups and 17 Bereavement Support Group sessions, a 280% increase on the previous year.
• We had 27 attendees at our online Support Group Christmas party
• We had 1,167 calls to our phone support line, a 167% increase on the previous year

WE WANT TO DO MORE

Yorkshire is a large region and we want to ensure that no matter where you live, support is available to you when you need it. Over the last year, we have adapted to new ways of working and moved our support group sessions online, meaning that we have been more accessible to people who do not live near Leeds or are perhaps unable to travel due to illness, fatigue or other responsibilities.

“The groups for many are a lifeline. It just helps to be able to speak to someone who is dealing with the diagnosis” – Brain Tumour patient

We want to expand our reach and develop new face-to-face support, offering specific groups for those in South Yorkshire, as well as for low and high-grade patients. We want to offer different types of meetings, for example arts and crafts or walking groups, increasing the choices people have within their own community.

OUR TEAM

We are a passionate team, dedicated to making sure that those affected by a brain tumour receive the best support possible. Our Support Services team is made up of individuals with extensive experience providing professional emotional and psychological support, including BACP accredited counsellors and a trained hypnotherapist.

Our Support Team work closely with patients across the region, through telephone and email clinics, counselling, benefits advice and our support groups.

We also work with trained volunteers in a peer support programme who are able to offer support to others through shared experiences.

We are united in our fight against brain tumours in Yorkshire and committed to ensuring that anyone affected by a brain tumour has someone to turn to.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

We want to build thriving communities, where people are able to come together and help one another. These support groups can be a vital lifeline for people in times of need and we want to make sure that no one is left out.