ANYONE affected by cancer is encouraged to make the most out of free drop-in sessions at the Chantry Centre.

Wessex Cancer Trust will be running cancer well-being sessions in the Health Hub at the shopping centre. Sessions have previously been held at the Wellington Centre.

Residents can simply drop in, have a cup of tea and chat with a qualified member of the team about how they’re feeling.

Sessions at the Wellington Centre will finish on April 4 with an Easter craft morning and restart at the Health Hub on Tuesday, April 25. They will run every Tuesday between 10am and 1pm.  

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Wessex Cancer Trust currently provides a range of well-being 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 people.    

Colette Cowan, Wessex Cancer Trust’s head of services, said she understands taking the first steps to cancer support can be daunting.

She 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 are a really informal opportunity to come along and chat with a member of our team about how you’re feeling. Whatever you’re going through, we’re here for you.”   

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Wessex Cancer Trust’s client, Simon, is encouraging people to keep an open mind about accessing support.

He added: “I guess you could say I’m a bit of a hard-nosed professional, but I don’t feel I have to tell myself to keep my chin up and get on with it. Cancer is a completely different ball game and I’m open-minded to the support I can access. Wessex Cancer Trust’s team are all kind souls, and you can simply just sit and be if that’s what you need. The worst that can happen is that you’ll have a cup of tea and a biscuit with someone lovely. What do you have to lose?”