Our Services

The Society provides a wide range of services from information, advice and counselling, to financial help, holidays, briefings, seminars and training. The Society is committed to ensuring that sufferers benefit directly from voluntary donations that make up the welfare fund.

The Society over the years has donated several pumps to various hospitals. The pumps cost in excess of £500 and are used in the medical management of sickle cell disorder.

Welfare

Many people with sickle cell disorders have extra special needs. Keeping warm and dry is essential for preventing crises, but can prove costly, particularly in the winter.

Not everyone can afford these necessities, and so the Society has a special welfare fund to assist individuals and their families in need of extra help. Thousands have benefited since the fund was first set up in 1982, getting extra help with heating bills during the cold weather, money for warm clothing, and much more.

Richard, is just one example. Due to undergo a hip operation, he was finding it difficult to cope with his laundry; walking was difficult, and the local launderette was located some distance away. He started doing his washing at home by hand. This proved exhausting and led to frequent sickle cell crises. His local Social Services Department said that they were unable to help. The Sickle Cell Society came to the rescue, purchasing a washing machine for him. Thus an everyday problem was easily solved.

Educational Support

Many people who suffer from a sickle cell disorder find their education constantly disrupted by illness. As a result, they often leave school without qualifications, and need extra help to obtain the qualifications they need. The Bryan Jones Fund now provides that help, offering financial support for sickle cell sufferers who wish to further their education.

Take David, at the age of 25, he wanted to undertake a three year course in Hotel & Catering Management. The Society funded the course for the first year. Because of his excellent grades, funds were also provided for the second and final year, enabling him to obtain his diploma and pursue a successful career in Hotel and Catering Management.

The fund was originally set up in 1983 in memory of Bryan Jones, our honorary secretary, who died suddenly that year from internal sickling. He was just 22 years old.

Sickle Cell News Review

The News Review is the Society's quarterly publication. It provides news and articles on the latest medical research, a round up of what's happening at the sickle cell centres and provides a good platform for information.

SickleScene and Planet Sickle

SickleScene is the new young person's newsletter written by young people for young people with a sickle cell disorder and their siblings. We have also developed a web site just for young people - check out Planet Sickle today.

The Society employs a full time Information Officer, funded by The John Ellerman Foundation and Department of Health, who deals with inquiries, carries out health education work, liaises with other voluntary organisations, and works with schools to improve their understanding of pupils with sickle cell disorders.

Each year, through its Children's Holiday Fund, the Society provides a much-needed holiday for 30 children with sickle cell disorders. Many of the children come from low income families, and would otherwise not have a holiday. This short break allows children from all over the country to meet together, experience a different environment, and above all enjoy a week of really good fun. It also provides an often much-needed break for their carers. As part of our recreational facilities, the Society gives toys for centres holding Christmas parties.