Empowering Choices: A new programme helping people face a brain tumour diagnosis with confidence

Receiving a brain tumour diagnosis can turn life upside down in an instant.

Members of the YBTC team including staff and trustees

Alongside the shock of the diagnosis comes a flood of appointments, medical information and important decisions. Many people tell us they feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn for practical advice, emotional support or simply someone who understands what they're going through.

At Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity, we've listened to those experiences. That's why we're delighted to be launching Empowering Choices, an exciting new programme made possible through funding from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Supporting people every step of the way

Empowering Choices has been developed alongside people with lived experience of brain tumours to ensure the service reflects what patients and families really need.

Over the next two years, the programme will provide personalised support for people across Yorkshire, helping them feel informed, confident and empowered throughout their journey.

The service will include:

Members of the YBTC community enjoy a wellbeing walk in Leeds

• Personalised one-to-one practical and emotional support.

• Help preparing for hospital appointments and understanding medical information.

• Easy-to-use information guides and digital resources.

• Opportunities to connect with others through peer support and volunteer buddy schemes.

• Stronger partnerships with NHS neuro-oncology teams to improve access to support.

  
  

Why this programme matters

Living with a brain tumour affects every aspect of life-

not just physical health.

Many people need help understanding their diagnosis, preparing for difficult conversations, accessing local services and feeling confident enough to make informed decisions about their treatment and future.

Empowering Choices has been created to address those needs, ensuring people receive personalised support alongside the clinical care they already receive.

Because the programme has been co-designed with patients and carers, the voices of people with lived experience will remain central as the service develops and grows.

Looking ahead

This marks an exciting new chapter for Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity.

By working closely with healthcare professionals, volunteers and local communities, we hope Empowering Choices will improve the experience of people affected by brain tumours across Yorkshire while building a service that creates lasting change for years to come.

Together, we can help ensure that nobody faces a brain tumour diagnosis alone.

Could you lead this exciting new programme?

We're currently recruiting a Patient Empowerment Coordinator to lead the delivery of Empowering Choices.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a brand-new, Macmillan-funded service, build meaningful partnerships across Yorkshire and make a genuine difference to the lives of people affected by brain tumours.

If you'd like to register your interest, visit https://www.yorksbtc.org.uk/join-our-team, where you'll find the full job description and everything you need to apply.

When you're ready, please email your CV and a covering letter to our Chief Executive Officer, David Grant-Roberts, at David@yorksbtc.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you.