JIGSAW has been established in JHQ, Rheindahlen since June 2006 and is proving to be a success.  The group was formed by Elaine Crawforth, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2005.  She felt that, despite the plethora of welfare agencies within the BFG Community, no one was really equipped to deal with personnel being diagnosed with or affected by cancer.

Elaine met up with another ‘english patient’ who had recently been diagnosed and they we were able to share their experiences and give each other emotional support, a process which they both found helpful and comforting. 

Elaine felt that although the medical treatment in the German healthcare system was faultless it became apparent that the comprehensive support provided for oncology patients in the UK was not available for the British in the military community in Germany.
 
With the backing and support of UKSC (G), Defence Medical Welfare Service, Army Welfare Service, BFG Health Services, Rheindahlen Support Unit (RSU) and the experiences of former cancer patients, JIGSAW Cancer Patients’ Support Group was created.

In September 2007 an additional JIGSAW group was formed in Bielefeld for personnel from Gütersloh and Bielefeld garrison areas. It is hoped further groups can be established throughout BFG in the near future.