UK: Serviced apartment operator is offering free accommodation to friends and families of young people being treated for cancer at Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre.
SACO says it understands that patients have to travel from all over the south-west to receive treatment in Bristol, but it can prove difficult and costly to find places to stay or travel long distances each day.
SACO is offering the use of its Broad Quay serviced apartments – which are just a short walk from the hospital – free of charge at short notice to families needing accommodation for a brief period of time.
The arrangement has been trialled since October 2013 and based on its success, both SACO and Teenage Cancer Trust have announced the formalisation and continuation of the partnership.
Due to open in spring, the unit will allow young people aged 16 to 24 from Bristol, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, to be treated for the first time with others their own age in an environment suited to their specific needs.
Jamie Cargill of the Teenage Cancer Trust said: “The partnership between SACO and Teenage Cancer Trust has been a huge success for our team in Bristol. A number of our patients’ families have used the apartments, especially over the Christmas period. It has contributed to the existing accommodation provided by CLIC Sargent during periods of increased demand. Families from all around the South West have used the apartments and I am delighted that this arrangement will be on-going, helping to support any teenager or young adult and their families diagnosed with cancer.’
www.sacoapartments.com
www.teenagecancertrust.org/southwest</p
