Below is an extract from an article by the Hepatitis C Trust regarding the work undertaken by their Peer Support Team during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extract focuses on the work taking place in the West Yorkshire area, the full article can be found on the Hepatitis C Trusts website http://www.hepctrust.org.uk or by clicking on this link http://www.hepctrust.org.uk/blog/apr-2020/how-our-community-team-supporting-people-hepatitis-c-during-covid-19-pandemic
West Yorkshire
Our Peer Support Lead for West Yorkshire John Fox has been working alongside the hepatology team and his volunteer team to help people complete treatment:
“Over the past five weeks the West Yorkshire Hepatology nursing teams have been proactive in trying to continue the work that they can during the COVID-19 outbreak. There has been some amazing work going on across the region and I’m really proud to be part of the team.”
LTHT Viral Hepatitis Team
In Leeds, the hepatology nursing team have been able to support people to start and continue with their treatment. The team have been doing some really great work in the areas they cover.
For example, Shelia, the volunteer Peer Educator for the Wakefield area, has been proactive in delivering medications and keeping in touch with the nursing team.
In Calderdale, the hepatology nurse and Calderdale Recovery Steps are still continuing to start hepatitis C treatments where possible. Brendan, our volunteer Peer Educator for Calderdale, continues to keep in touch with these people for support.
BTH Viral Hepatitis Team
In Bradford, we have been supporting the hepatology team and the local CGL service to get medications out to patients. Craig, the volunteer Peer Educator for Bradford and Keighley, has been busy delivering medication, including to people who were due to start. Craig has gone above and beyond at times. He also volunteers for the Homeless Outreach project in Bradford as well as delivering a lot of vital medications for hepatitis C.
Our volunteers have been vital in supporting the peer project in West Yorkshire. They’ve also been busy with online training and getting to know the wider team at The Hepatitis C Trust by getting involved in our video calls and training sessions.
Before lockdown, the team were really starting to make an impact in West Yorkshire. I’m glad that despite the circumstances they still continue to do so with telephone outreach, delivering medication and personal development activities to improve their skills.