Hope and Support for New Zealanders with Advanced Breast Cancer.
The Hugh Green Foundation has committed to giving $1.2m over 6 years, with the support focused on enabling the service to:
- Provide high levels of tailored and personal services to all New Zealanders with incurable breast cancer
- Strengthen the sustainability of the operational model
Sweet Louise is described by members as essential to their well-being and a crucial support system. Beyond the practical and emotional support, Sweet Louise ensure that individuals feel the care and compassion of the wider community, emphasising that they are not alone. Member stories underscore the profound impact of the Foundations ongoing support to Sweet Louise and the crucial services that are provided to individuals and families during this challenging time.
Member numbers have continued to increase with many more members remaining with the service (with average tenure now 40 months, up from 16 months in 2018) or joining, than those who have sadly passed away, with 88% of all eligible breast cancer patients having engaged with the service. The Foundation’s support has enabled all members to have 1.5 hours interaction with a support coordinator every quarter, and for Sweet Louise to provide an emergency financial hardship programme for members with low household income.
In strengthening the operational model, the staff structure has been redesigned, with new appointments made to build greater capacity to support more members across New Zealand. The application and referral system has been improved, alongside a greater ability to model diagnosis trends which ensures support is adequately available geographically, and for the service to adapt to changes in demographics e.g. increases in more younger members (60% under the age of 60).
