HISTORY

The Breast Cancer Survival Trust was started by a group of women in the North East who first met in November 1993 to consider the possibility of raising funds to offer small grants to women who are affected by Breast Cancer.

At the first meeting, it was agreed that the Trust would be managed by women and that we would seek sympathetic support from men. The progress of the organisation has demonstrated that this is a realistic method of proceeding.

A large number of women in the region are involved with the Trust at a number of levels. Some participate in regular committee meetings and have been centrally involved in the organisation to date. Some have been working to publicise the Trust and engage in supportive activities within their own living and working environments. Others have organised fundraising activities and many have offered help in kind. A number of men have also offered help with contributions and donations.

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES

All income for the Breast Cancer Survival Trust is raised through fundraising activities and events, regular contributions and one off donations. Apart from the costs of stamps, stationery and incidental expenses associated with fundraising, all income is used for the purposes of grants.
People who support the work of the Breast Cancer Survival Trust have been involved in a variety of activities and we would like to encourage anyone who is interested to raise funds on our behalf.
Please contact the secretary to discuss any ideas which you might have.

INFORMATION ACTIVITY

The Breast Cancer Survival Trust has been linked with 'Breast Alert' Days which have been designed to inform women about a whole range of breast issues and breast health.

We have provided information at associated events.

Members of the Trust are available to talk about the work of the Trust and the importance of some of the issues raised by the experience of Breast Cancer. We are also happy to provide articles for publications.

The women involved in the Breast Cancer Survival Trust are keen to work cooperatively with other agencies concerned with Breast Cancer.

AIMS AND PURPOSES

The basic idea of the Breast Cancer Survival Trust is that it should respond to women's self-identified needs. The purposes of the grants are to make women who are affected by Breast Cancer feel better and more in control of their circumstances.

The intention is that the Trust should offer money for the purchase of 'treats' and 'luxury' items as well as providing grants for basic needs.

Breast cancer and its treatment can be both physically debilitating and frightening. It can also lead to additional expenses for women, such as transport costs for hospital visits and mastectomy wear. We hope that grants will make a contribution to women feeling positive about their lives and also that they will relieve women of some everyday worries.

The women who are organising the Trust want to encourage women to apply for grants for anything that might make them feel better. This might be a bunch of flowers and a bottle of champagne or it might be to pay an outstanding bill. We shall not ask those applying to reveal details of their income because income level is not central in relation to women being prepared to spend money on themselves.

Those applying are asked to fill in a simple form, or to write with proof that they are affected by breast cancer and indicating the purpose for which they intend to use the grant.

AWARDING GRANTS

'The maximum amount for which any individual can apply is £150 but the average grant is for £50.00
Women from the North East of England and first time applicants will be given priority.

For further information or an application form, contact:

The Secretary,
BCST,
c/o SNYP,
The Old Town Hall,
Southwick Rd.,
Southwick,
Sunderland,
Tyne and Wear

Forms are available for sponsored events.