Julie is our Senior Administrative Officer, leading our Administration Team and answering calls to our freephone Support Line. Julie joined Mesothelioma UK in 2019 having previously worked in the NHS. Here she talks about the key role she plays as part of the wider Operations Team at Mesothelioma UK, and what she values most about working for the charity.
“Prior to joining Mesothelioma UK, I worked with the Thoracic Nurse Specialists as an administrator at Glenfield Hospital in Leicester. I loved speaking to the wonderful patients and their families, working with the nurses, and getting involved in events like Patient Experience Days. When the role with Mesothelioma UK became available, I knew it was the job for me so was over the moon when my application was successful.
Since joining the charity, I have been able to continue helping people affected by mesothelioma. I co-ordinate the support line and answer calls alongside my colleagues. During the Covid pandemic this meant I could continue to support our service users from home. I have also represented the charity at various events including the Lung Cancer Nursing UK Conference where I spoke to Lung Cancer Nurses from all over the UK about the fantastic work that we do.
Being actively involved in the support line and patient and carer events helps me understand what people need and identify gaps in our service. For example, it became clear that we ought to have specific support for carers.
We now have a monthly Carers Hour where an absolutely lovely group of carers get together virtually to chat and support each other through their challenging journey.
We also established a Younger Patient and Carers group, again virtually, to help them to support each other through a journey that can be quite different to that of an older patient or carer.
I was promoted to Senior Administrative Officer in September 2021 and have now taken on additional responsibility for some of the office management roles such as health and safety. This is my first leadership role, so I have a lot to learn but am thoroughly enjoying it so far.”
The Support Line is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday on 0800 169 2409 or you can email us at support@mesothelioma.uk.com.
Carers Hour is on the Second Wednesday of each month at 2pm.
Younger Patients and Carers Support Group is on the first Wednesday of each month at 1pm.
You can get details of how to join each group by emailing support@mesothelioma.uk.com.