If you are living with cancer, or you are close to somebody who has cancer, you may be worried. At times like these, it can be difficult to find people who understand what you are going through. Somerset Cancer Care offers a friendly and informal opportunity for people living with cancer to talk, either individually, or in a group, with professionally trained volunteers as well as with those who have experience of cancer in their own lives, or in the life of someone close to them. We are here to help you find a way forward.
We can provide practical information about services that are available and offer free complementary therapies to reduce anxiety, help you relax, and to encourage a sense of well-being. Our highly trained volunteers offer support by being there to listen if you wish to talk about your experiences and feelings.
We keep it confidential
We treat all your information as strictly confidential to ensure that you have a safe place where, if you wish, you can talk frankly. Somerset Cancer Care is recognised as valuable support service by healthcare professionals.
Cancer Aid For Everyone (C.A.F.E)
Our C.A.F.E.s are lively, informal, and local support groups welcoming anyone affected by cancer. Patients, carers, family members and friends are able to offer each other strong support in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Our venues are very comfotable with separate areas for privacy if needed.
Professionally trained volunteers are there to:
- be a listening ear
- provide information
- help you to contact other services
- help in any way they can
Free complementary therapies and light refreshments all help to make C.A.F.E. a very special place.
Complementary therapies are increasingly recognised by the medical profession as being beneficial when practised alongside orthodox medical treatment. They can help us to release mental, emotional and physical stress by a variety of gentle and non-invasive methods.
Therapies on offer may include:
- Relaxing hand massage
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Reiki
- Relaxation / Visualisation
There are five C.A.F.E.s across Somerset:
| Minehead | Every Monday | 2pm - 4pm | The Methodist Church Hall,The Avenue. |
| Taunton | Every Tuesday | 10am - 12noon | Robin Close Hall, Robin Close, Bishops Hull. |
| Wells | Every Friday | 10am - 12noon | St Lawrence Day Centre, Chamberlain Street, (off Union Street car park) |
| Weston Super Mare | Every Tuesday | 10am - 12noon | Summer Lane Care Home, Diamond Batch, Worle |
| Yeovil | Every Wednesday | 10.30am - 12.30pm | Octagon Theatre, Hendford |
Supporting patients and visitors at Musgrove Park Hospital - Taunton
The Beacon Centre
If you are a patient or visitor to the Beacon Centre and are anxious or would simply like someone to chat to, Somerset Cancer Care volunteers are there to support you. Our highly trainined volunteers are there to listen to and provide support for anyone affected by cancer in any way, and can provide hand massages to aid relaxation. Our volunteers are in the Centre on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from 9am and Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm - if we haven't made ourselves known to you and you would like some company, please ask one of the nursing staff to find us for you.
Headwear
Every Wednesday from 12.30 - 2.30pm, in the Beacon Centre, we offer a headwear service for patients, advising on and selling inexpensive but attractive hats and scarves.
Cancer Information and Support Centre
Located in the Old Building, our volunteers, together with the Nurse Specialist manager and her assistant, offer extensive information, internet access and a high level of support for all visitors who can drop in at any time Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4pm. There is also an Information Centre in the reception area of the Beacon Centre.
Who to contact
It doesn’t matter where you live - if you are affected by cancer, either in your own life or the life of somebody you are close to, you are welcome to talk to one of our volunteers at Musgrove Park Hospital or by joining us at one of our five local CAFEs. Please call us if you have any difficulties.
For further information please telephone St Margaret's Advice Line on
0845 070 8910
The Somerset Cancer Care office is open three days a week:
- Tuesday & Thursday 8.30am - 3.30pm
- Friday 8.30am - 12.30pm
During our office hours please ask to be put through to the Somerset Cancer Care office. Out of office hours you can either speak to the nurse advisor or ask to leave a message on our answer phone. If you wish to leave a message, please let the telephone ring until the answer service clicks in. We will return your call on our next working day.
There are many opportunities to support Somerset Cancer Care as a volunteer - click here for details!
