The Ashford and St Peter's Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists with support from the cancer support workers have established a Lung Cancer support group at Ashford Hospital. Sessions will be held monthly and all those affected by lung cancer are welcome to attend. There will be invited speakers with specialist knowledge on areas such as financial advice, new therapies and yoga - to name a few!
Self help and support groups bring people together providing an opportunity to share experiences and feelings with other who are going through similar experiences. The value of support groups is outlined in the National Cancer Strategy in providing opportunities to deliver health education and information for people living with cancer and their families.
There are many documented benefits to being part of a support group including:
- Information about lung cancer treatments, exercise and nutrition as well as life after cancer
- Professional advice and support from skilled facilitators
- Develop new skills for looking after yourself and coping with day-to-day life
- Feeling less isolated by being connected with a group.
The group is being facilitated by the Lung Cancer Specialist Nurses Claire Johnson and Berni McBride and coordination from Debbie Stonell. The group has received support from the Roy Castle Charity. The first session was held on 24th May and included a talk from Isla Green; Occupational Therapist on the management of fatigue in Cancer, the group has been positively received and supported by the Improving Cancer Care Action Group. There were more than 40 attendees and feedback was very positive. We will be holding more regular meetings in the future.
Pictured above (L - R) Claire Johnson and Berni McBride
