We have detailed how we are continuing to support anyone living with any type of cancer during the latest lockdown restrictions, and are urging people living in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight to get in touch if they need help.      

Since the first lockdown in March, we have been working hard to evolve our services to ensure they are available and easy to access from home. Although our cancer Support Centres remain temporarily closed, support is available via telephone and a closed Facebook support group. Daisy Buses to help patients get to their hospital appointments are still running with increased Covid precautions, and our Sing for Life choirs are meeting online.    

Rachel Billsberry-Grass, Wessex Cancer Support’s CEO, says the charity remains determined to support local people in the best possible way:

“2020 has been tough for all of us, but if you’re living with cancer you might be feeling particularly anxious and isolated. We know there’s no right or wrong way to feel, so we’ve put together lots of different things for people to access depending on what they feel is right for them. If you need support, please don’t wait, thinking that things will get better or that others need it more. Call one of our support centres or visit https://www.wessexcancer.org.uk/remote-support/covid-services/ to see how we can help.”    

Remote Services

Our services team is currently creating a timetable of live online support sessions, in response to need, which will be made available at www.wessexcancer.org.uk soon. If you have a particular need, please contact your local support centre. 

Other services include:

  • 1:1 befriender telephone calls or emails.
  • Zoom befriending groups/catch up sessions.
  • Support Centre phone lines available 10am – 3pm, Monday – Thursday.
  • Telephone and online counselling.
  • Telephone and online Reiki.
  • Other therapy support groups such as the MENtalk group, dance and movement, yoga etc.
  • Online Sing for Life sessions
  • Online community via a closed Facebook support group
  • Numerous online videos guiding you through meditation, tai chi, yoga and self massages to help ease Lymphedema and many more.
  • Support lanyards available for those feeling anxious about visiting shops, hospitals and using public transport.
  • Articles and advice on coping with anxiety during lockdown.
  • Signposting to specialist support such as financial and benefits advice or support getting online.
Therapist Leanne

Transport Services

Patient transport is available on our Daisy Buses for anyone arriving from the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands to attend hospital appointments at Southampton General Hospital and Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth. Buses are operating with Covid precautions in place.Wessex Cancer Support and Hovertravel launch safe travel charter

Online Support Group

We have set up a closed online Facebook support group. This provides a forum to share your experiences, support each other and share advice and information from the comfort and safety of your own home. For many people with cancer, connecting with others provides emotional support at a very challenging time. It can also provide a vital support base for friends, family members and carers.    

Support Groups

Face-to-face support groups have been paused temporarily and moved online. For more information, please contact: 

  • MENtalk Support Group – bournemouth.centre@wessexcancer.org.uk
  • Sing for Life – singforlife@wessexcancer.org.uk

Opening times and numbers for remote support

Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm, 01202 315824

Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support Centre Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm, 023 8051 6576

Isle of Wight Cancer Support Centre Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm, 01983 524186

Waterside Cancer Support Centre Monday-Thursday, 10am-3pm, 023 8178 0409

Local Shops

In line with government guidance, all of our shops are now closed. We’re so grateful for all donations to the shops but please do not leave anything outside during lockdown as shops will not be manned during this time.  When shops reopen, please telephone in advance to book a slot to drop off your donation.  

For more information, please click here.

 

2020 has been tough for all of us, but if you’re living with cancer you might be feeling particularly anxious and isolated. We know there’s no right or wrong way to feel, so we’ve put together lots of different things for you to access, depending on what you feel is right for you. If you need support, please don’t wait, hoping things will get easier or that others need it more. Call one of our support centres or have a look through our website to see how we can help.

Rachel Billsberry-Grass, CEO, Wessex Cancer Support