Hywel Dda Health Charities is proud to announce a funding award to support Phase 2 of the Heads Up initiative, a unique service that provides expert, person-centred, holistic hair loss care for people affected by cancer treatment.

This funding will enable the continuation of the Heads Up service until 31 December 2027, following its successful launch in January 2024. The funding has been generously match-funded by two partner organisations: the Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal and Cancer Hair Care.

Hywel Dda University Health Board is the first Health Board in Wales to provide a comprehensive support service for chemotherapy-related hair loss. The service, which is delivered by Cancer Hair Care, connects healthcare professionals and haircare experts from local communities to empower patients to manage their hair loss journey with independence, dignity and choice.

Gina Beard, Lead Cancer Nurse, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our local communities for their generous donations, which have made this funding possible.

“Hair loss can be one of the most distressing side effects of cancer treatment, and this service helps patients feel heard, supported and equipped with practical tools and advice. Thanks to this funding, we can continue to offer inclusive, compassionate care that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”

The Heads Up initiative has already delivered thousands of touchpoints with patients, healthcare professionals and hairdressers across the Hywel Dda area. It offers tailored support for every stage of the hair loss journey, including headwear options, brow and lash care, and guidance on new hair growth.

The service also provides training for nurses and local hairdressers, helping to build a community of informed professionals who can offer evidence-based support.

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, commented: “We are so thankful to everyone who has donated to Hywel Dda Health Charities. Your support enables us to fund projects like Heads Up that go beyond standard NHS provision and truly enhance patient care.”

Trish George, Treasurer of Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal, said: “Having funded the original pilot and Phase 1 of the Heads Up project in Pembrokeshire and witnessed its success, we are delighted to be able to fund the costs of delivering this exciting and beneficial project to many more Pembrokeshire residents over the next two years.”

Founder of Cancer Hair Care Jasmin Julia Gupta added: “So many of the service users have sent such heartfelt messages of thanks for the creative, compassionate and expert services they have received. We are delighted and privileged to continue this much needed service.

“It's really a team effort and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the patients, nursing and healthcare staff, funders and the dedicated hairdressers, who have supported this project in hospitals and within the community.

“We are looking for more hairdressers to join the project and would like to encourage hairdressers to contact Cancer Hair Care directly.”

To show your interest, visit the website at: www.cancerhaircare.co.uk or email: [email protected]