A drop-in group for people affected by cancer launched on this month at the Newbury Community Centre in Bury St Edmunds. This is the first group of its kind in the town, and the confidential, free sessions will run every month, a place to share views, find out about support, and meet new friends.
The joint initiative between the Macmillan Information Centre at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT), and local charity Cancer Support Suffolk comes after months of planning and listening to the views of service users and their loved ones.
Julie Parker, Macmillan Information Centre service manager, said: “When we look at feedback from people who use our services, it is clear that cancer has the same impact on partners and relatives as on the patient.
“This is support for all - a free space where anyone affected by cancer can open up about the good, the bad and the ugly of their experiences. Trained volunteers will be on hand, and there will be information and signposting to further support.
“We at the Macmillan Information Centre will always be here for sensitive conversations, or to provide further support if needed.”
At the first meeting of the group on 2 February, Mark Murphy, chief executive officer at Cancer Support Suffolk, said: “In the last two years we have been focusing more on West Suffolk, and working with the Macmillan Centre at the West Suffolk Hospital. We wanted to extend our support to the Bury St Edmunds area and a support group seemed the most natural thing to do.
“People today have shared their experiences – they can come and sit and talk about whatever they want – Traitors or cancer – it’s up to them. This is a warm and welcoming environment where people can relax and talk to each other. There will also be guest speakers at future sessions.”
Madeline Friday, oncology survivorship lead at WSFT, said: “This has taken time to set up, to ensure it is user-friendly for everyone, and we hope we have covered every avenue to make sure it works. At every session, there will always be at least three people to meet and greet and facilitate. We have considered the practicalities - there is free parking at the centre, and refreshments kindly provided by Cancer Support Suffolk at every session.
“We don’t know at the moment how the initiative will develop and what will work best for people, but we hope friendships will be formed, and that attendees will benefit from talking to other people who have shared experiences.
Hugh Douglas-Pennant, one of the volunteers supporting the event said: “The first meeting of the Bury Cancer Support Group was immensely positive. Far more people came along to learn what was on offer, than we had expected. It is an ideal venue, and coupled with professional support from the Macmillan Information Unit team, it was all that we could have asked for.
“There can be no individual who does not need a helping hand when times are tough and we hope that this group will be of value to many in West Suffolk.”
The group will meet at The Newbury Community Centre, Charles Place, Bury St Edmunds IP32 6TD, from 1.00 to 3.00pm, on the first Monday of every month, except bank holidays. It is open to people over 18 years of age.