January 16, 2020 10.19 am This story is over 50 months old

Lincoln wig bank could close without new volunteers

It provides an “invaluable” service to patients with terminal illnesses
They desperately need new people to help run the service.

A Lincoln wig bank that gives patients with terminal illnesses “invaluable support” could close without new volunteers.

St Barnabas Hospice’s Wig Bank needs new people to help run the service every Monday when current volunteers step down in March.

It is a free service for people with life-limiting or terminal illnesses and since its inception in 2014, it has supported over 450 patients.

The volunteers help patients choose their perfect wig, help with advice about scalp and wig care and also support patients emotionally.

Could you help save the service?

Jane Fulton-Sutton, one of the wig bank’s users, said: “When anyone is facing challenging treatments regarding their health, they need all their energy to focus on getting through it.

“The last thing they need is to face the prospect of hair falling out. Your hair identifies you as a person and losing it takes part of your identity away.

“The Wig Bank service at St Barnabas provides invaluable support in choosing a wig and fitting it.

The wig bank provides an “invaluable” service.

“They understand what it means to face hair loss, they understand the emotions people are going through and they provide the most amazing wigs that will suit individual needs.

“Once the right wig has been found, confidence returns. You are not identified as someone ‘ill’ and you can get on with your treatment.”

St Barnabas has urged anyone with hair dressing experience interested in the role to call the volunteer services team on 01522 518 221 or click here.

They need a minimum of two volunteers to keep the service running and are open to changing the day it runs to suit.