FREE wellbeing sessions for anyone affected by cancer are set to be launched in Andover.
Wessex Cancer Trust is bringing the sessions to the Wellington Centre (Purple Oak Support), giving people the chance to drop in, have a cup of tea and chat with a qualified befriender about how they’re feeling.
One in two of us will develop cancer at some point in our lives and the new service has been developed to offer a safe space for those impacted by cancer and their loved ones.
If the drop-in sessions prove popular, Wessex Cancer Trust will expand the service to include counselling and complementary therapies.
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Wessex Cancer Trust currently provides a range of wellbeing services at its four Support Centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Hythe and Newport on the Isle of Wight. Andover was identified as an area where there is a lack of cancer support and where more provision would benefit local people.
Starting with Andover, Wessex Cancer Trust plans to introduce cancer support to new communities across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight to ensure the charity can reach more people who need it. Its long-term goal is that no-one should have to travel further than 15 miles to access cancer support.
Rachel Billsberry-Grass, Wessex Cancer Trust’s chief executive, said: “Living with cancer can be really tough and you may be experiencing thoughts and feelings you’re not used to. Maybe you’d like to have a chat with someone outside of your main circle of friends and family. Our drop-in sessions will be a really informal opportunity to come along and chat with a qualified befriender about how you’re feeling. Whatever you’re going through, we can help.”
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Sessions start on September 13 and will run every Tuesday between 11am and 2pm.
To support the new service, the charity has also launched a pop-up charity shop in Andover’s Chantry Centre.
Wessex Cancer Trust is looking for volunteers for both the shop and the wellbeing sessions. If you can help, please contact wct@wessexcancer.org.uk.
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