The group, which has its first session from 12pm to 4pm today, has been set up to allow patients to gain support from health professionals, including a specialist breast nurse, occupational therapists and complementary therapists. Counsellor volunteers will also be on hand to help organise the group.
“The launch day is free and open to anyone who is living with the impacts of secondary breast cancer in Lincolnshire. We will then work with the guests at our launch day to determine a suitable time and day to meet on a weekly basis,” Sue Scully, deputy team leader for St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, explained.
“The group will allow people in similar situations to get the support they need in a relaxed atmosphere. The group will be entirely led by its members and volunteer counsellors Sue, Ellen and Christine. The topics of conversation will be determined by them and they will be visited by various healthcare professionals on a rolling basis.”
The launch coincides with the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is organised by the National Breast Cancer Foundation in order to increase public awareness of the disease and of the support on offer to patients.
“Each year we are seeing the number of people diagnosed with secondary breast cancer increase. It is vitally important that these people are recognised and that a dedicated support service is available to assist them to live well with their secondary disease,” Sue added.
“This group will be able to access advice and expertise from various guest speaking health professionals whilst gaining support and friendship from each other. The group welcomes anyone with secondary breast cancer regardless of what stage of the journey they are at.”
More information about this group and other services provided by the hospice can be found on the St Barnabas Lincolnshire website.
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