Dear Rotarians

Gillian sent this update to other clubs yesterday and wishes it shared with you all.

”Dear Rotarians – this has gone to all Presidents, Secretaries, SVPs (where details are on Rotary view) within the catchment area of the Regional Oncology Centre and other friends who have been involved so far, and copied to relevant District Officers. Please share as appropriate

1. Appointment made!
My main reason for writing today is to let you know that the hospital has made an appointment and our facilitator will be in post from 1st July. She will spend 60% of her time doing 121 Psychotherapy support for Cancer Patients, and 40% (the part we are funding) working on the change programme to improve non clinical support for patients and their families. Our measures of success are improved awareness of the support services available; more use of those services and patients reporting improved emotional wellbeing as a result.

This is all in preparation for the move into the new Big Space Consultation Suite when it is built in two years time and includes the new Patient Information Centre which we will also be funding.

The notice period required for the post was short as it is an internal appointment. This means that induction will also be shorter than for an external person and progress should be quick. A group of us are meeting the appointee on the 3rd August and we look forward to hearing about the early plans. After this we will be able to tell you much more about her, the experience she brings to the role and what happens next.

2. MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreed
Before the interviews took place we finalised our MOU with the Hospital Charity so we are very clear about our funding for the post. I’m pleased to say that we will be paying quarterly, in arrears, over 23 months, subject to regular, positive evidence of progress, so we feel we have minimised any risk.

3. Global grant
I’m pleased to say that the admin is just about done and we are hopeful that the funds will be transferred very soon. At the meeting on the 3rd, we will talk through the claim process.

4. Publicity
Manolo is coming to the meeting on the 3rd August and is already in contact with the Hospital Charity’s PR and Comms person, so we will be able to agree a comms plan to ensure that Rotary shares the publicity as the role and change programme go public.

5. Ongoing fundraising
Cotswold Tyndale are still going strong – we have our car rally coming up on 5th July and all the funds from this will go to Big Space. I know that a couple of clubs at least are hoping to make donations as part of their end of year disbursements – all will be very much appreciated.
At the moment, our bank balance stands at just over £160,000 plus the grant of £55k. If, before we finish fundraising and just focus on implementation, we can hit £250,000 in total that would be amazing!
If you have any upcoming events/would like to make a donation, please get in touch in case we can help or come and update you in person.

6.Lions at Large
A few weeks ago, the Lions at Large trail was awarded the SoGlos Lifestyle and Community Awards Event of the Year, which was well deserved. There will be another trail (not lions) in 2028.

Finally, as we reach our year end, can I say an enormous thank you to all the outgoing Presidents and Club Secretaries, Club members and District Officers who have been so helpful and generous through the year – enjoy your ‘retirement’ and step down knowing that by working together we will have made a big difference for cancer patients and their families in our communities for years to come.

Very best wishes & many thanks”

Gillian
PP Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale
Project Lead, Rotary Big Space Appeal
Member of the Hospital Charity’s Big Space Appeal Board