“It was great to have a space to voice my concerns and anxieties to someone who listened and cared for me. I know that if I need help, I can go back to her, but I also know that I am capable of handling anxieties independently.”
The Cancer Fund is delighted to have funded Marlies’ role as senior mental health practitioner for over two years. She plays a key role in supporting young adults diagnosed with cancer in managing their mental health and offering holistic support.
By funding this role, psychological support is much more easily accessible to patients on the ward, through Marlies being available as and when a young person would find it helpful to have space to talk, without having to wait for referrals, which can often take a long time.
By supporting young people where they are when they feel they need it, Marlies’ role has been incredibly beneficial to young patients.
“I am so glad I did it because I never even realised the depth of emotion I felt until I talked to Marlies about it. I would definitely say she helped me navigate through all my emotions and build myself back up.”
“Marlies played such an important role in my treatment, she was very respectful of my timing and privacy and allowed me to speak freely with no judgment. A lot of my days felt lighter just from one conversation and I couldn’t imagine not having her support.”