Inside Business First Blackpool: Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity

Head and neck cancers pose unique challenges, affecting vital areas such as the mouth, throat, nose, and salivary glands. Coping with the physical, emotional and financial burdens of these cancers can be overwhelming for individuals, their families and friends. In such challenging times, organisations like Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity step in to provide support, awareness and hope.

"I have known about Business First for some years, and I always wanted to get an office in the building but never had the opportunity. Then, we as a charity needed an office, so I immediately contacted the wonderful Hannah and, fingers crossed, hoped she had a vacant office. It has everything a small or large business/charity needs, including using the boardroom, reception area, car parking, and self-contained office, all at a very affordable cost. Plus, you can move into bigger offices as you grow (subject to availability).

Working from a prestigious building gives the charity credibility, and since moving, we have obtained two grants totalling £15,000 for our charity. Business First is definitely somewhere I would highly recommend to a business or charity. 

Our future plans include growing the charity's outreach, supporting more Head & Neck Cancer Patients & Caregivers and employing local people." - Chris Curtis, Chief Executive Officer & Founder

Swallows Head & Neck Cancer charity: A Beacon of Support

The Swallows, a charitable organisation dedicated to individuals affected by head and neck cancers, plays a crucial role in providing support and resources. Our mission revolves around four key pillars: Support, Awareness, Research and Advocacy.

Support

The Swallows charity offers a comprehensive support network for patients, caregivers and families facing head and neck cancers. This includes emotional support, counselling services and practical assistance in navigating the complexities of treatment and recovery into survivorship. Support groups facilitated by the Swallows create a safe space for individuals to share experiences and insights, fostering a sense of community, family and understanding.

Research

The Swallows charity recognises the importance of advancing scientific knowledge to improve treatment options and survivorship outcomes. The charity supports research initiatives focused on head and neck cancers, fostering collaboration between researchers, clinicians and institutions and bringing the patients' voices into the research. By investing time and resources, the charity aims to develop more effective therapies and approaches to manage these cancers.

Advocacy

This is the cornerstone of the charity's efforts to address the needs of those affected by head and neck cancers. The charity actively engages with policymakers, health professionals, industry experts and the public to advocate for improved access to quality care, better support services, improved quality of life and early detection programmes.

Awareness Material

The charity supplies information and educational content created to raise awareness about head and neck cancer. This material is designed to inform and engage individuals, communities or the public on matters of importance. Our awareness material is available in various forms, both digital and physical, and it is often used by organisations, advocacy groups, NHS and governments to disseminate. We can offer films, leaflets, books, posters, a mobile app and our website.