1. Olga Janssen CLL patient ad CLLSA trustee
CLLSA goes local
Olga Janssen
CLL patient ad CLLSA trustee

2. Why: the incentives Local support groups meet local needs
- specific to the local CLL service:
- specific to the interests of local CLL patients and carers
Local support groups make you feel better
- you gain empathy, knowledge and understanding,
and often a lasting bond with fellow members
CLLSA is more effective with local groups
- better authority to campaign for patients nationally
- more people are involved to effect change for better services
- better able to share good practice

3. What patients and carers want from a CLL support group – learning from CLLSA
Accessible, but not dumbed-down, knowledge
- about CLL as a disease
- about CLL treatments
- about how the NHS system works for CLL patients
An opportunity to meet other patients and carers
- to share experiences of CLL
- to get tips for coping with CLL
Start with these two priorities and other things will follow as
the group develops. There is no one template to fit all.

4. A few tips Recruiting members: The launch
- a direct, personal invitation is effective
N.B. only healthcare professionals have direct access to CLL patients
CLL nurse specialists are key to successful recruitment
- those recently diagnosed with CLL most likely to respond
- CLLSA’s recent survey will provide a steer on localities of interest
and potential volunteers to help
The launch
- a presentation on CLL by a consultant or CNS will be popular
- follow this with informal but structured small group discussions
- keep a register of people who would like to stay involved

5. More tips! CLLSA can help Getting funding - Most things come free.
- Your Cancer Network, Macmillan, CLLSA
may help with a grant. Ask.
CLLSA can help
- By promoting your group on our website
and in our newsletter
- With help sheets on a range of topics
- With your requests for advice
our coordinator, Sarah Tobin:

6. Good Luck!