Somerset Cancer Care offers a friendly and informal opportunity for people living with cancer to talk, either individually, or in a group, with others 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. 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 provides practical information about services that are available and offers free complementary therapies to help you relax and 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)
Informal drop-in centres, welcoming anyone affected by cancer, where patients and carers are able to offer each other strong support in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Highly trained volunteers are there to:
- be a listening ear
- provide information
- help you to contact other services
- help in any way they can
Our venues are very comfortable, with separate areas for privacy if needed.
Free complementary therapies and light refreshments all help to make CAFÉ 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.
The following therapies are available at various times in our centres and information about them can be obtained when you call in, or on the FREEPHONE number 0800 7314608.
- Relaxing hand massage
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Reiki
- Relaxation / Visualisation
There are five C.A.F.E.s across Somerset:
Taunton: Every Tuesday 10am - 12noon
Robin Close Hall, Robin Close, Bishops Hull. Taunton
Minehead: Every Monday 2 - 4pm
The Methodist Church Hall,The Avenue. Minehead
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 10.30 - 12.30
Octagon Theatre, Hendford
Musgrove Park Hospital - Taunton
The Beacon Centre
Somerset Cancer Care supports cancer patients and visitors to the Beacon Centre by helping with stress management. Our highly trainined volunteers are there to listen to anyone affected by cancer in any way, and can provide hand massages to aid relaxation. They are there Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9am and Tuesday afternoons from 1.30pm.
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 Hospital, on the phone, or join us at one of our five local CAFEs. Please call us if you have any difficulties.
For more information call, in confidence, on Freephone: 0800 7314608
There are many opportunities to support Somerset Cancer Care as a volunteer click here for details!
