Support Groups

counselling

What is a support group?

A support group consists of a number of people coming together on a regular basis to talk freely about any concerns they might have about living with cancer.

The group is open to men and women of all ages and with a variety of cancer types. Cancer is an illness that by it’s very nature takes us out of our social lives and into comparative isolation. The group is a way of bridging that isolation.

How will a support group help me?

Being part of a group can offer cancer patients a sense of community, while providing opportunities to learn from each other. Sharing experiences and hearing stories of others can help to put your own experience into perspective. Some of the benefits are:

• Feeling less isolated and alone
• Opportunities for sharing experiences
• Feeling empowered to take an active role in one’s own health and wellbeing
• Opportunities to increase social circle
• Mutual support

How does a support group work?

The aim of the group is to provide a space where group members can begin to deal with the impact of cancer in their lives. A place to talk and share any thoughts and feelings. A place to feel listened to and the chance to listen while others share their experiences.

Members will be encouraged to raise all issues and concerns about any aspect of how cancer touches their lives.

The focus will be on peoples’ feelings, experiences and coping strategies, so is not a medically oriented group.

What groups are available?

• Group one - for cancer patients only. This group runs for twelve sessions. You can join this at any time. Dates on application.
  
• Group two - . This group also runs for twelve sessions. You can join this at any time. Dates on application.