Our group is assisted by Macmillan Cancer Support, and we get together over coffee, cakes, tea and biscuits, providing a warm and conducive atmosphere at our monthly Saturday mornings.  During this Covid-19 lockdown, we continue to provide telephone and online support. Though a relatively new group we have received expert input from dietician, holistic practitioners and various others which we have found enormously helpful in improving our journeys, including identifying appropriate support for both members and the family carers.  Through sharing our experiences we have learnt more about access to support and services which was greatly needed.  Members of the group serve on the patient forum of cancer services and are able to help address issues that emerge from the group.

It has become a network to connect with others who have undergone or were undergoing a similar or a different journey, where each person’s unique experience helps other group members.  By identifying the needs of individuals, what their expectations are and how we could mutually support each other helps to improve our overall well-being.

Chapter Twenty: Learning to talk about cancer  ..

Here is a section from the chapter:

“When it happened to me, I felt alone not knowing with whom I could talk to and who would be prepared to listen…”