Advocacy on the Wards in Dorset is part of a national pilot advocacy scheme where older people (50+) who have been affected by cancer in one way or another are trained to support nad speak up for current cancer patients (alos 50+). With the help of an advocate, patients will feel more confident about expressing their treatment choices, and dealing with the many other difficulties a diagnosis of cancer can create.

Dorset has a large retirement population, and one of the highest rates of cancer diagnosis in the region. A cancer diagnosis can leave people bewildered, and facing worries about family, relationships, and money. Advocates help people to get the right information, respect the choices they make, and help others to respect those choices too. In partnership with Help and Care, we will build a network of older people affected by cancer, who can use their experiences to benefit others.

We aim to recruit, train and support 15 older volunteers who have been affected by cancer in some way, so that they can help support other older people now experiencing diagnosis and treatment. Over 18 months, we expect that at least 30 local people will benefit from this support. We shall also be developing a local Cancer Champions group to bring together older people who have been affected by cancer to look at how services and support could be improved.