NALC’s History
The National Association of Laryngectomee Clubs (NALC) was set up in 1975 by laryngectomee groups in London, Bristol, Nottingham and Birmingham. Its purpose was to promote the rehabilitation of laryngectomees after their operation, providing them with the information and support that was needed. It also sought to promote public understanding of the needs of laryngectomees, their carers and families. It became a registered charity in 1976.
For many years, NALC was an associated charity of Macmillan Cancer Support. It had clubs all around the UK, who provided the sort of non-medical help and information that can only come from experience of living as a laryngectomee. In recent years the number of clubs has fallen, as has the number of hospitals performing laryngectomies, and NALC is no longer connected to Macmillan. However our aims and purposes remain the same as they were in 1975.
Like most charities NALC was seriously affected by the Covid pandemic which restricted fundraising activities and meetings. Added to the loss of Macmillan support, NALC had to make its staff redundant and close its London office in 2022. The level of activity declined further and in 2026 the charity was closed.
HNChelp
HNChelp was formed in 1991 as the Manvers Laryngectomy Club, which supported patients at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital and was affiliated to NALC. It changed its name to HNC help in 2010 to reflect it extended the patient group it serves to include any head and neck cancer patient. Membership comes from a wide area from the Paek District to Bassetlaw, North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
