The challenge of loneliness and the value of human connection

31 July 2023 | Support, Supporters

Brain Tumour Support’s CEO and Founder, Tina Mitchell Skinner, shares her thoughts on the importance of connection.

Brain Tumour Support’s CEO and Founder, Tina Mitchell Skinner, shares her thoughts on the importance of connection, after attending last Sunday’s BTS summer picnic for the Bristol area.

The 12-18 June is designated ‘Loneliness Awareness Week’ and, a week on from the first of our summer picnics, it leads me to focus more than ever on our charity’s vision, which has never wavered in the past 20 years – that no one should face a brain tumour alone.

Feelings of isolation and loneliness are very common for those affected by a brain tumour. It can be triggered in many ways. It may be through the immediate shock and bewilderment of a diagnosis, or the challenges of arduous, lengthy treatment. There can be a sense of ‘compassion fatigue’ felt when people simply don’t know how to cope when someone is faced with a long-term illness, or relationships can be strained by the personality changes caused by some brain tumours. Loss of a job, independence and pressure on finances are all isolating factors. And there can be the loneliness caused by grief and bereavement.

The relief felt in connecting with others who just ‘get’ what you are facing can be enormous. It may not change your situation, but it can change how you face and manage your situation.

So, a week ago, on a hot, sunny, early June Sunday at the Tytherington Rocks Football Club, I felt my spirits lifted. The buzz of conversation and the laughter of children warmed my heart as I walked towards the groups of people sitting on picnic blankets and chatting. This was the first of the Brain Tumour Support summer picnics – a special day which reminded me once again of the power of human connection. Wonderful to see people gathering together sharing moments of their lives, meeting others experiencing similar things and realising that we are not alone in our own situations. The reassurance that we don’t have to face life affected by a brain tumour alone.

Watching young children enjoy the games that were available and having the opportunity to run around and be carefree was joyful. Each family member is immersed in their own thoughts, but knowing that they are sitting amongst families who have trodden a similar path. These might seem simple things, but they can be such a comfort.

The football club was the friendliest bunch of people and they looked after us all so well – nothing was too much for them. They also kindly donated some wonderful cakes and drinks.

t was a reminder that whatever we face in life, there are always others who are part of our journey, and that sharing with people who understand can lighten the darkest of times. Brain Tumour Support is that charity.

We’re delighted to now be returning to face-to-face groups and events, and we have more summer picnics coming up in other regions. Some dates for your diaries for picnics in July, with more details coming soon.

• Oxfordshire – 1 July
• Hampshire – 8 July
• Devon – 16 July

We are here to make that human connection at any point if you have been affected by a brain tumour in any way as a patient or loved one. Contact us today if we can be part of your life.