February Newsletter

Welcome to the February edition of our Hear Me Now newsletter. This month we are exploring some seasonal ideas of how to use Hear Me Now, and also bringing you a summary of some conversations we have had with several Cancer Alliances, exploring how the app can support patients with a learning disability through their cancer pathway.?

How to use Hear Me Now creatively with loved ones during February?

As we move into February it's time to start looking forward to some of the seasonal events at this time of year. Why not use Hear Me Now to send a video to someone (or some pet!) that you love, telling them why they are important to you. You can also share photos from some of your happy times spent together, or a photo of some artwork you have created for them. Use Hear Me Now's multimedia options to spread some love in the cold, dark months!?

Pancake day is also upon us, so you can find a video and share it with a family member, or create a box and add some step-by-step instructions, including ingredient preparation, method and toppings. You can then share photos of your creations with contacts in your app, and even have a competition to see who's are the tastiest.?

We would love to see how creative you're getting, please get in touch with us at [email protected].?

How Hear Me Now can support people through a cancer journey

Maldaba have recently had several conversations with Cancer Alliances to explore the ways in which Hear Me Now can offer support to people on a cancer pathway, from booking in for screenings, to undergoing tests, all the way to diagnosis and treatment.?

We discussed how the app can be used to share information ahead of appointments, in order to ease some of the anxiety experienced by patients. This works both ways, so app users are able to share useful information about their communication needs and any adjustments required, and staff are able to share information to prepare for the appointment in a more accessible format, meaning people know what to expect. This can be very useful for example if you are due to have a scan, and can watch a video in advance of what it will look and sound like, and what you will need to do.?

The app can be a useful tool for storing and returning to the overload of information which can be shared during medical appointments, meaning people are able to review content in their own time and prepare questions for their next appointment. All of these steps and more can be helpful in improving access for people with a learning disability to the services and support that they need to avoid, diagnose and manage ill health, in this case cancer.?

If you would like to hear more, or have a conversation with us about how Hear Me Now could support service users in your work setting, be it cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, or others, please get in touch with us at [email protected]?