We took to the streets of Birmingham just before Christmas to meet with Brummies and talk to as many people as we could with just one message – ‘Do You Need A Hug?’. The response was overwhelming as so many people said yes, they needed a hug! Our mascot Haribo was busy giving out hugs to Brummies at New Street Station, Snow Hill Station and Touchwood Shopping Centre as well as several businesses across the city.
Our campaign was all about raising awareness about what we do here at the drop in cancer centre and a big part of the service we provide for people affected by cancer is welcome everyone with a hug. Our support focuses on the emotional effects of cancer and the situations that often get overlooked – the financial pressures, the impact on friends and family, work pressures and more but it all starts with a hug when you walk through the door.
Our very own Georgie put the Haribo costume on and was overwhelmed by the number of people who just needed a hug. The conversations were really touching and the stories really showed how people often just need a hug or some human contact, especially at that time of year. Apart from giving the people of Birmingham some comfort, the purpose of Haribo and the HHHO team taking to the streets was to raise awareness of what we do. Whilst we were giving out free hugs, there is a cost to what we do at the drop in cancer centre and we were asking for a donation of just £5 to cover the cost of a hug when service users come to the cancer centre. A hug and welcome will always consist of a cup of tea or coffee, a snack, a hug and an ear to listen.
