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Helpline volunteer and BackCare member, Frances Blackwell reflects on her role as telephone helpline
counsellor for BackCare.
It’s funny how we take things for granted. That is exactly what happened to me. I was happy working in a
job I loved, that fitted perfectly with the girls schooling. Mark and I had planned an extension to the
house, which was exciting not to say costly, then wham I slipped two discs and trapped my sciatic nerve.
I have not been able to work since. After surgery, which was unsuccessful, and the builders finished, I
felt a bit lost, then I saw another surgeon who suggested further surgery and I needed some advice so
I rang Backcare who were undergoing some transition so there was no nurse available.
From here I was directed to the website and read about the surgery from the factsheets but also found
an advert for helpline volunteers. As I was at a loose end I volunteered.
I had some basic understanding of what was expected on the helpline. The first calls were quite
daunting, but as time goes on, hearing about the problems people are facing, makes me realise that it
was a good move to establish the helpline.
From the helpline, I have met some incredible people, often struggling with disabilities of their own.
Through Backcare I was approached to do a case study for the new NHS magazine PRIME. I have also been
involved with the Standards of Care for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal disorders focus group, offering
advice on how to make their Standards of Care more appealing.
Did I say I was at a loose end? Having just recovered from a day giving information out at the local
hospital as part of Backcare week, I think I will look for a quiet moment to go back to the ironing pile!
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