Advocacy and Information

Chai can help patients and their families navigate the complex systems of the NHS and local authority services to ensure that they receive the care from statutory organisations which they are entitled to.

Chai also provides access to and contact information about a wide range of services and organisations that cancer patients might require, from travel insurers to carer support.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)

Chai has formed a partnership with Barnet Citizens Advice Bureau.  Their Ward Visiting Advisor will be at the Hendon Centre the first Thursday in every month.

The CAB advisor will see Chai clients on a fixed appointment basis and advise on a wide range of issues, including housing, council tax benefit, employment, debt, legal and financial issues.

Financial and Legal Guidance

Chai enables patients and their families to discuss any concerns on issues arising from cancer by providing access to confidential and practical financial and legal advice from our associated legal and financial experts – often free of charge.

Chai also provides practical advice and assistance in applying for state benefits to which clients may be entitled. Worrying about money is the last thing one needs during an illness – so we can advise on what rights cancer patients have and what entitlement there is to financial support.

Medical Connections

Utilising our national and international connections, Chai Cancer Care can put patients in touch with cancer specialists. We are able to provide, via our Medical Advisory Panel members, direction for those patients wishing to access a second opinion or find an eminent expert in a particular cancer.

Chai can also arrange for patients to discuss issues raised by their diagnosis, or treatment options which they are struggling to understand, with a doctor.

Nutritional and Dietary Advice and Information

Nutrition plays an important role in general health and in illness, from diagnosis onwards. Ensuring one has an adequate intake and good level of nourishment can improve, and help maintain, the best possible state of health when progressing through cancer treatments. To achieve this, Chai’s dietician will assess a client’s nutritional status, give advice accordingly and provide support throughout a period of care.

The nutritional advice and support can range from general advice about healthy eating through to specific advice about overcoming eating difficulties, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, allergies/intolerances, as well as the use of dietary supplements. Dietary advice is individualised and adapted to specific lifestyles as well as personal likes and dislikes.

Resources and Information

Our information and education programmes enable members of the Jewish community to be kept informed and aware of developments, advances and current issues in the cancer world.

Our Centre in Hendon houses a library of text books, audio, DVDs and video tapes for loan to clients. In addition to information about cancer, we are continually adding to our range of books promoting wellbeing, relaxation, and the power of positive thinking.

Spiritual Guidance

Jewish cancer patients and their families may have religious issues and questions that need to be addressed. Chai is able to put clients in touch with Rabbis who are particularly sensitive to your needs at this difficult time, regardless of their religious affiliation.