RED CELLS R US is a support group and forum for people with SICKLE CELL and THALASSAEMIA based at the Camden & Islington sickle cell & thalassaemia centre who's aim is to provide help and support for each other and medical advice from the staff. This is a service user led support group that is managed by the executive committee members who are elected among the users of the service and including t
he members of staff. The centre staff also assist in organising guest speakers - both professionals and non-professionals - to provide an overview on the care and management of sickle cell and thalassaemia. Membership of the group is open to:
Anyone with Sickle Cell or Thalassaemia as well as family friends and carers of people with Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia or anyone that just wants to help. People with sickle cell and thalassaemia who use the local hospitals - Whittington hospital, University College London and The Royal Free hospitals. Activities of the group include:
Peer and social support to minimise isolation and to promote mutual learning through shared experience. Group members share their coping skills in discussions about diet, exercise and employment ect. Group members also support each other through home and hospital visits. Patient education through health education talks that are carried out during group meetings to raise the users’ knowledge of the condition and to increase the users’ understanding of the support and care services available and to promote independent living. Group members also organise and carry out community events to raise awareness of sickle cell and thalassaemia. Group meetings:
The group meets on the first Friday of the month and whenever necessary at the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
