I live alone and have had to cope with life and the effects of surgery and treatment. I have lovely friends who often didn't know what to say or do,but would have helped if I'd asked them for anything.
I managed everything myself despite overwhelming fatigue and some pain.
I see so many ads for 'comfort parcels', full of stuff I didn't need and would never use. But... one thing I've since thought of, and would have loved to have been given, is a book of help vouchers. Each one covering a chore like, going shopping, or cleaning the kitchen for me. ,would cash them in by handing one to a friend who would do the chore to give me some rest time. I wouldn't feel bad for asking. My friends would be ok knowing they were helping, and I wouldn't feel like I was risking compassion fatigue.
What do you guys think? If it's a good idea, maybe macmillan can produce these?
Hi digr
I'm Steph from the Community team, I have just dropped in to say what a fantastic idea.
I have created some printable coupons based on some of your suggestions, in case they might be helpful for anyone. What do you think?
We will be featuring the coupons and other ideas for comfort gifts in our Community News Blog today.
A massive thank you for sharing your idea, I hope this will be helpful for members who need some support, or for members supporting a loved one with cancer.
You can download and print the coupon sheet from the following file:
https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/38/Coupons-of-Kindness-.pdf
Everyone is welcome to share their feedback or ideas - we're here to listen
Hi moomy
Sending virtual hugs, that sounds really tough.
Sorry you can't download the file, I will email it to you now to see if that helps.
