A WORCESTER-based national blood cancer charity has introduced an online support service allowing members of the public to talk to a qualified nurse about blood cancer.

Leukaemia CARE, which is headquartered in Blackpole, has launched the HealthUnlocked network which will provide valuable support and information to anybody affected by a blood cancer, their families and friends.

Esther Wroughton, director of CARE for the charity said: “This is an exciting time for Leukaemia CARE. As well as offering the only 24/7 support line in the UK for blood cancers, we are now moving into the online space. Many people say they would like to be able to contact a qualified professional to talk about their diagnosis and now we are able to offer this service. We have a long history of support in Worcester including a support group in Worcester and look forward to people getting involved in this new online community”.

Chief medical officer Matt Jameson Evans added: "Support and information are one of the largest factors in people managing their own health. Our communities provide vital support, allowing people who are experiencing similar health issues to ask questions and receive information. This new community has the opportunity to transform and dramatically improve the lives of many people."

Leukaemia CARE is a national charity, founded in 1967 and first registered with the Charity Commission in 1969. It provides information and support to patients, their families and carers throughout the UK, during the difficult journey through the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancer. The new online community will provide Leukaemia CARE with an online space for people with blood cancer to visit and access support and information from others with the same condition. For four days a week, members of the community can leave their questions with a qualified blood cancer nurse. By coming to the community people will benefit from the HealthUnlocked technology, which makes tailored health related recommendations, directs people to useful information, connects them with others with the same health condition and highlights research activities such as clinical trials, which may be of interest.

People can access the new forum by heading to https://healthunlocked.com/leukaemia-care