Shelagh Sheldrick hits the ground running as the new Information Manager at the East Surrey Macmillan Cancer Support Centre in Redhill.
“I feel privileged and excited to be part of this centre from its beginnings. Even though building work is still going on there is already a feeling of tranquillity when you enter the building, so much so that the builders and I have nicknamed it the ‘feel good centre’. I hope this is what visitors will experience when they come here, whether it is to access information, receive complementary therapy or emotional support or simply have a cup of tea and a chat. The services on offer will evolve and grow and will be led by people affected by cancer. As well as the core services I hope to set up activity groups, such as art and craft, knitting and gardening projects.”
Shelagh stressed the importance of recruiting volunteers to make the new centre a success. “We want to be able to offer our patients a range of complementary therapies including acupuncture, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, meditation and yoga so would really like to hear from qualified practitioners who have these or other complementary therapy or coaching skills. We are particularly keen to find qualified counsellors to provide emotional support to those affected by cancer.”
“Patients and their family and carers will be able to get financial advice as well as psychological and emotional support. We would also like to hear from general volunteers who can help in a variety of vital roles including meeting and greeting, administration and making refreshments. Our volunteers can help us make a real difference and enable us to bring a wide range of services to the heart of the community.”
Lucy Beach, Macmillan Cancer Support Development Manager, echoed her sentiments and added: “We are delighted to have recruited someone as experienced, capable, personable and down-to-earth as Shelagh and know she will make a brilliant job of managing the centre.”
This is Shelagh’s first role in the health sector, having spent the past 15 years in Further and Adult Education, initially managing adult education centres around East Surrey and more recently as Client Service Manager, responsible for information, advice and guidance, admissions and enrolment.
She concluded: “I am really enjoying my new role – it is a great opportunity to help people and hopefully make their journey a little easier by providing information, support and a calming place to just be.”
If you would like to volunteer and find out more please get in touch with Shelagh at Informationcentre.sash@nhs.net.
Shelagh Sheldrick takes a look at the building progress inside the East Surrey Macmillan Cancer Support Centre
