Marvin OnumonuCancer, mental health issues and musculoskeletal disorders were the top three reasons people were referred to RedArc, making up over half (51%) of the conditions supported by the nurse-led organisation in the past five years.
RedArc recorded around 50 main conditions for referrals, mostly clinical like diabetes and cardiac issues, but also life-moment situations such as bereavement and eldercare.
Christine Husbands, commercial consultant, RedArc, said: “While much of our work focuses on directly supporting individuals with health conditions, it’s important to recognise that people facing serious diagnoses – such as cancer, mental health challenges, or musculoskeletal disorders – often need more than just medical care.
“Emotional and practical support are also essential. From managing responsibilities for dependants to adjusting to physical changes or navigating grief, these challenges can significantly add to their challenges, during an already vulnerable time.”
RedArc found support worked best when it was holistic, with practical guidance for managing symptoms and side effects, clear signposting to NHS services, access to therapies and emotional backing for the mental impact of physical conditions.
The organisation also noted that addressing non-clinical matters, such as returning to work, caring for others and relationship worries, was as crucial as tackling the main health problem.
Husbands added: “Health recovery is rarely linear and should not be supported by clinical care alone.
“By offering holistic, personalised support, the gap can be bridged between medical needs and everyday challenges – helping individuals not only manage their conditions, but also rebuild confidence and navigate whatever hurdles life demands.”
