Cancer Support

 

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The following information is aimed to help you and signpost you to local services that you may find helpful.

You don't have to pay for prescriptions if you are being treated for cancer or for the effects of cancer/cancer treatment – please ask for a medical exemption certificate from your GP.

 

Macmillan have Citizens Advice Bureau staff

Who can help with financial queries/difficulties- look online or call their helpline on 0800 808 0000. They can also offer advice on and help obtain financial grants to people who are struggling due to their diagnosis.

 

Macmillan Cancer Support

Offer people a wide variety of support/information.

Their telephone support line is open 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on 0808 808 0000.

For information about your rights at work if you are diagnosed, with cancer go to visit the website or call the support line.

Visit Macmillan Cancer Support

 

Cancer Research UK Telephone Helpline

Offers lots of support and information for anyone, details about their helpline (open 9-5pm Monday to Friday on 0808 800 4040)

They also have an online chat facility if you prefer to message them.

Cancer Research UK have a support page for children of people affected by cancer.

Visit Cancer Research UK

 

The Red Cross

Can lend people equipment including wheelchairs/toilet aids and can provide other support on 0808 196 3651 10am – 6pm, 7 days a week.

 

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support

ALCS is a local independent charity providing support for anyone affected by cancer.  They have regular drop-in sessions on Monday afternoon 2-4 which alternate between Axminster and Lyme Regis.  They also have lots of other support and fundraising events.

Contact 07512 279663 or have a look at their website for more info

Visit Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support

 

The Living Tree

The Living Tree is a cancer support group based in Bridport. For anyone affected by cancer from West Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset. Weekly drop-ins on Friday 2-4. Contact 07341 916976 or have a look at their website for more info.

Visit The Living Tree

 

Stepping Out

Stepping Out is a cancer rehabilitation community group that runs from Bridport Leisure Centre.  It is a ground-breaking and innovative exercise and wellbeing referral scheme, designed for people living with and beyond cancer.  The aim of the scheme is to improve balance, overall fitness and general wellbeing, by being part of a supportive and friendly group. More information is available at the website.

Visit Stepping Out

 

Wessex Cancer Trust Cover Dorset Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Wessex Cancer Trust Cover Dorset Hampshire and Isle of Wight have Support Centres who can offer free, practical and emotional support to patients and their family members who would like to discuss medical treatment, any particular concerns, as well as finding out which therapies and services may be most beneficial. Have a look at the website. These drop-in sessions will give patients the opportunity to seek support or just simply be yourself within a relaxing, non-clinical environment, surrounded by people who have lived experience of a cancer diagnosis themselves or someone close to them.

Visit Wessex Cancer Trust

 

West Dorset Breast Cancer Support Group

If you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, are undergoing treatment or have recently finished treatment and are now on the path back to health, you are not alone. The West Dorset Breast Cancer Support Group is a group of breast cancer survivors who have joined together to show there is life after breast cancer. Although we are not a charity, we operate with the guidance and support of the Macmillan Breast Care Nurse Specialists who are based at Dorset County Hospital.

There are five branches of our Support Group:

  • Bandanas Meet on 2nd Wednesday of each month at St Anne’s Church Hall, Radipole Lane, Weymouth at 7.30 pm. Visit the Website. Contact Phone 07532235032
  • Blandford Meet on 1st Tuesday of each month at Pimperne Village Hall at 2.30pm. Shirley Warren – 01258 860706 or Jean Maidment – 01258 453827
  • Bridport Meet on 3rd Wednesday of each month at Bridport Community Hospital, Hospital Lane, Bridport at 2pm. Wendy Francis – 01308 424435 or Wendy Nightingale – 01297 678165
  • Dorchester Meet on 3rd Wednesday of each month at Joseph Weld Hospice, Herringstone Road, Dorchester from 2pm. Janet Topping – 01305 266381 or Marjorie Hughes – 01305 854836
  • Younger Women Meet on 3rd Wednesday of each month at Children’s Centre, Dorset County Hospital at 7.30pm. Nicky Imber – 01308 458357 or Anne Beer – 01258 837176

If you are feeling scared, worried or just lonely, ring one of the branch leaders who will be able to give you further details of our support group. Go and talk to other ladies who have been through what you are experiencing and discover life is beautiful and that you will make it!

 

The local support centres can be contacted without a referral from a Nurse or Doctor.

Social Prescribing Team

Supporting You to Improve Your Lifestyle and Wellbeing

Direct Line: 01308 428943

 

You can also speak to Reception at the surgery if you need additional help by phone or in person and leave your name and number, we will ask our Cancer Care Coordinator from the social prescribing team to call you back or if you prefer you can contact Pauline Gardiner – directly on 01308 428943.