Resources and links
Listed below are links which may be useful to cancer patients:
After Cancer
After Cancer is a website written by cancer survivor Verite Reily Collins. She shares her experiences and detailed, well-researched information on how cancer affects you during and after treatment and what to do about it.
Axminster Care Service
The Axminster Care Service was set up to give help to local organisations and those in need. The aim of the ACS is to cover gaps left by Health and Social Services and provides additional community support such as:
A car service, Tuesday lunch club for elderly housebound, a visiting service for those who live alone and management of the Senior Citizen’s Centre in Church Street. Please see their website for more information.
AboutFace
AboutFace has provided support for almost 20 years to patients who have been diagnosed, or are living with, head and neck cancer. We also help patients’ families. We provide comfort, advice and practical help to those undergoing treatment and those living with the consequences of a challenging recovery.
We serve the Dorset community by offering a unique combination of peer group support and practical befriending provided by compassionate, dedicated volunteers.
AboutFace work closely with the Maxillofacial Department at Poole Hospital, supporting patients and offering training space for doctors learning facial reconstruction. All our charity’s services and support are free to patients. We receive no Government funding but gratefully receive voluntary contributions from local benefactors.
The Brain Tumour Charity
The Brain Tumour Charity is at the forefront of the fight to defeat brain tumours, making a difference every day to the lives of people with a brain tumour and their families.
They are committed to having the biggest possible impact for everyone affected by a brain tumour, to defending the most amazing part of the human body, so that the diagnosis of a brain tumour is no longer a death sentence.
The Brain Tumour Charoty fights brain tumours on all fronts through research, awareness and support to save lives and improve quality of life.
Axminster Hospital
Local community hospital offering a variety of services, providing the Scott Rowe Meeting Room for our drop-in sessions.
The Breast Radiotherapy Injury Rehabilitation Service (BRIRS)
BRIRS is a nationwide service for breast cancer survivors living with Brachial Plexus Injury after radiotherapy treatment. This type of injury is rare but BRIS offers free NHS treatment to any patient registered with a GP in England.
Butterflies Cancer Support Group
Butterflies is small, friendly and welcoming cancer support group in Dorchester, Dorset. We’re here to support local people who are living with any kind of cancer; and we welcome those who have cancer, and those who live with and support those with cancer.
Cruse Bereavement Support
We offer support through our website, national helpline, live chat, group, zoom, telephone or one-to-one in person support. We want to make sure everyone grieving gets the help they need in a way that works for them. We have a specially trained dedicated team of 4,000 bereavement volunteers.
Bristol Homeopathic Hospital
You can ask your GP for a referral.
Breast Cancer Support – West Dorset
Information and advice about care and support for adults in Bournemouth and Poole.They have five branches across Dorset and are a very friendly, welcoming group providing support and information. Guest speakers give talks on feel good and associated topics. We provide telephone support in co-operation with health care professionals. Breast care nurses are closely involved with this group.
Cancer Hair Care
Cancer Hair Care is a charity that aims at helping cancer patients to look good through their illness and into recovery. They try to take the mystery out of hair loss, new hair growth, scalp care, wigs and headscarves. Please visit their website for information, ideas for new looks, support and practical advice.
Cancer Matters Wessex
Find information, services and support for people affected by cancer in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Cancer Matters Wessex is here for you if you are affected by cancer, whether as a patient, carer, family member or friend.
Here you will find information about the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, as well as links to local services and support to help you live with and beyond cancer.
Chaplaincy at Dorset County Hospital
Provides a 24 hour service. Person-centred care, a listening ear, confidential support and advocacy for anyone who needs it (of any faith or none), including outpatients.
The Force Cancer Centre, Exeter
FORCE (Friends of the Oncology and Radiotherapy Centre, Exeter) became a charity in 1987 and has grown steadily ever since. In 2004 we opened a purpose-built Cancer Support and Information Centre, thanks to more than £900,000 raised by local people and the tireless work of the FORCE team. A £350,000 extension to the Centre was opened in 2012, allowing us to support even more people affected by cancer.
FORCE has never lost sight of its origins and core belief that people deserve the best possible support and treatment, face to face and close to home. In 2014 we began providing services in Tiverton and Okehampton and in 2018 extended that outreach programme to include Honiton. We also fund the delivery of chemotherapy in all three towns.
We are committed to improving patient care by funding research and innovation too.
Fortuneswell Cancer Trust
Supports the Fortuneswell Unit (haematology and chemotherapy) at Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, and the Fortuneswell Cancer Ward there.
The Fountain Centre Living with Cancer
The Fountain Centre was established in 1998 by three social/healthcare professionals Gail Maguire, Charlotte McDowell and Nicky Bracey, together with Monica Rowland, a supporter of the holistic approach. In 2001 we became a registered charity. In the first year of opening the centre had 150 visits per month and employed one full-time member of staff, with two working part-time and 25 volunteers.
GO Girls Support Group
Hair Loss in Women
Hair Loss in Women is a national health organisation committed to the education and support of women suffering from hair loss.
The Hospice Biographers
We are a nationwide charity that trains and mentors specialist volunteers to record the biographies and life stories of anyone facing the end of their lives.
Let’s Talk About Loss,
Let’s Talk About Loss, a safe space to talk through taboos and address the reality of losing someone close to you when you are young.
We run peer-led meet up groups in cities across the UK for young people aged 18 to 35 who have been bereaved at any stage. We believe that by meeting other young people who have experienced loss, we can share our stories and our struggles without fear, judgement or awkward silences
The Good Grief Trust
The Good Grief Trust exists to help all those affected by grief in the UK. Our vision is to help those bereaved from day one, acknowledge their grief and provide reassurance, a virtual hand of friendship and ongoing support.
We bring bereavement services together, to ensure that everyone receives the tailored support they need to move forward with their lives.
Hospicecare
If you live in Exeter, Mid or East Devon, Hospiscare is your local adult hospice charity. Should you or a loved one need care for any type of terminal illness, their professional team of doctors and nurses are there to help.
The Hansom Group (Head And Neck Somerset)
A small group of post-treatment Head & Neck cancer patients. We are a new group – we had 2 face to face meetings 12 & 15 months ago – and now meet up online every couple of months. Essentially we are a patient support group run and managed by patients, but we could not do without the Head & Neck CNS for Somerset, Jo Greedy.
If any members of your group are interested in joining us, we would be happy to hear from them via our email:
Hello Beautiful Foundation
The Hello Beautiful Foundation is a UK based Cancer prevention charity that resides within London’s Bloomsbury.
Hello beautiful explores the issues that arise when we or our loved ones are faced with cancer and the importance that NonToxic Practice has in this reality.
Our exhibits, talks, classes and other awareness campaigns are designed to highlight the benefits of living a healthy NonToxic Lifestyle —an experience that starts with mindfulness and extends into nutrition and social responsibility.
Lewis-Manning Hospice, Poole
Supports patients from diagnosis through to end of life, however short or long that time may be.
LYLAC
LYLAC is a Social Enterprise based in the Hampshire/Dorset area. LYLAC was founded in 2008 by two cancer survivors who are qualified life coaches.
While the two women recognize that most cancer-related information is available (online) these days, what a lot of cancer patients are missing is the experience of a fellow-survivor that doesn’t need any explanation, someone who’s been in the same boat, someone to help them identify personal needs and goals in a professional way. For this purpose LYLAC offers workshops, often in conjunction with Breast Cancer Care or Macmillan.
The Living Tree, Bridport
The Living Tree offers friendship, creative activities & holistic therapies, relevant diet & lifestyle information for anyone with any cancer. We offer mutual support, helping people cope with the fear, anxiety, isolation or stress that cancer can bring by offering a chance to unwind and share laughter and coping strategies.
Look Good Feel Better
LGFB is a charity which holds free skin care and make-up workshops to help combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment and, in turn, boost confidence and wellbeing. They hold workshops at Dorset Cancer Centre at Poole Hospital, The Force, Exeter and regular shorter masterclasses at The Living Tree in Bridport.
Lymphedema People
Our Mission:
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To provide lymphedema information to the people it affects.
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To inform them about the condition, its causes, complications, and treatments.
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To share the knowledge that life does not end with lymphedema; there is hope.
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To share a life with lymphedema that is rich, fulfilling, and very rewarding.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Provides excellent practical, medical and financial support and push for better cancer care. Comprehensive website.
Marie Curie
If you’re living with a terminal illness or caring for someone, Marie Curie Nurses, hospices and support services are here for you.
The Menopause Charity
The Menopause Charity works to improve women’s and healthcare professionals’ understanding of the menopause.
Please click the link for – A young Woman’s Guide
Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres
Maggie’s offers the best possible support free to anyone with cancer and their families who walk through our doors. You’ll find our centres alongside NHS hospitals and we can also support you online.
The MAP Foundation
MAP (Making Arts Personal) provides a place for people to come together as a community to share their artwork and tell their stories. The MAP Foundation was founded in 2002 by artist Michele Angelo Petrone.
Mesothelioma UK
Mesothelioma UK is a national specialist resource centre, specifically for the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. The charity is dedicated to providing specialist mesothelioma information, support and education, and to improving care and treatment for all UK mesothelioma patients and their carers.
The charity integrates into NHS front line services to ensure specialist mesothelioma nursing is available at the point of need. This is achieved through a growing network of specialist mesothelioma nurses, regionally based in NHS hospitals but funded by Mesothelioma UK.
My Health My Way
My Health My Way is a non-clinical personal support service for people living in Dorset whose daily lives are affected by a health condition. They provide one-to-one coaching, telephone support, group work, online tools and structured support groups.
The service is provided by My Health Dorset Partnership for the NHS in Dorset.
Dr. Nasha Winters
Dr. Nasha Winters, ND, FABNO has been on a personal journey with cancer for the last 27 years. Her quest to save her own life has transformed into a mission to support others on a similar journey. Dr. Nasha travels the world to explore integrative cancer clinics, vet cancer protocols for research projects, speak at conferences, and meet with colleagues to help them apply metabolic approaches with their patients.
The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative
A partnership between the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support, supported by NHS Improvement. Its aim is to ensure that those living with and beyond cancer get the care and support they need to lead as healthy and active a life as possible, for as long as possible.
Quantum Clinic
Quantum Clinic is a progressive medical clinic offering Functional Medicine and Integrative Medicine support to adults with cancer.
Our approach is comprehensive and multi-faceted, addressing the problem at root level and working with you to optimise your body’s repair mechanisms.
Dr Tavakkoli’s aim is to enable her patients to achieve long term wellness and a better quality of life than would be achieved by using an allopathic medical approach alone.
NHS Cancer Resources
The link below will take you to the main NHS page for cancer – with links to specific areas and information on the different types and cancer and treatment options.
The Penny Brohn Centre, Bristol
Groundbreaking cancer centre supporting men and women affected by cancer at any stage of their illness, as well as their families and supporters. It runs highly recommended residential courses.
Riprap
A support group for young people who have a parent with cancer.
Rising Voices
Rising Voices is a community singing group for people living with and beyond cancer in Dorset, Hants and Wiltshire. In addition to the main choir based in Poole, there is a small singing group in Bridport connected to The Living Tree in Bridport.
Synthesis Clinic
We are an expert, highly qualified team of healthcare professionals who specialise in women’s health and hormones, gut health and mental health.
At Synthesis Clinic, we assess you as the whole person, not just your IBS or your menopausal symptoms. We work to tackle the root causes of symptoms, instead of ‘a pill for each ill’ model, and we use an expert team that truly works together to help you transform your health and wellbeing.
St Margaret’s Hospice Care, Somerset
St. Margaret’s Hospice has been at the heart of Somerset’s community for over 37 years, delivering high quality, responsive and compassionate care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness.
Soul Midwife – Beth Webb
Beth Webb is a soul midwife based in the Axminster area offering comfort, support and reassurance to help a dying person experience the death he or she wants as well as support for the family.
Soul Midwives are non-medical, holistic companions who guide and support the dying in order to facilitate a gentle and tranquil death.
Soul Midwives
- listen, provide gentle therapeutic techniques and ensure compassionate care at all times
- work holistically with both the spirit and the soul of the dying person
- keep a loving vigil
- create and hold a sacred and healing space for the dying person
- recognise and support the individual needs of the departing soul to enable a tranquil death
- use sound, touch, colour and smell and other gentle techniques to help alleviate pain and anxiety
- support families and loved ones
The SemiColons Bowel Cancer Support
The SemiColons Bowel Cancer Support Group gives support and information to patients and their families, their carers and friends, who have experience of bowel cancer in Dorset.
The group meet socially for a coffee and a chat every month at The Walnut Grove, Dorchester and the Grove Hotel, Bournemouth. They also have an Isle of Purbeck (Swanage) branch who also organise events. Please visit the website for contact details.
The group provides an opportunity to share views, find out more about new developments and further learning, support and social activities. It can also be helpful and encouraging to be in an environment with people who have been through similar experiences.
Talkworks – Mental Health Support for Devon.
TALKWORKS is a NHS depression and anxiety service for people over 18. We offer free confidential support to help improve your mental & physical wellbeing.
Thyroid Cancer Support West
Patient-led support group. It aims to provide support for anyone affected by thyroid cancer in the West of England. Support is given through meetings and by email. The group is also developing a “buddy” system
Tripudio Movement Systems
Tripudio is movement with a focus on the fluid systems of the body, including the lymphatic system and the cardiovascular system. Principles from manual lymphatic drainage massage are combined with fascia (connective tissue) release techniques and translated into movements.
Tripudio stretches focus on releasing tension, fascia and scar tissue, all of which are thought to inhibit lymphatic health. Tripudio is therefore aimed at post-surgical rehabilitation, such as after breast cancer or prostate cancer.
Wessex Cancer Trust
The Trust provides one-off grants for extra expenses to cancer patients within the Wessex region and have two holiday caravans available in New Milton and Weymouth.
World Cancer Research Fund International
In 2014 the World Cancer Research Fund International published this report on Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Survivors. It examines the influence of certain dietary and life style aspects on the survival rate of people with breast cancer.
WHY – We Hear You Cancer Counselling
We Hear You works across Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire providing emotional support to patients, families, friends and carers who have been touched by cancer or any other life threatening condition.
At We Hear You they understand that cancer and life threatening conditions can be overwhelming. People who use their service often report feeling numb, isolated and terrified and struggling to cope. WHY provides a safe space where people can say the unsayable and ask the unanswerable.
Yes to Life
Yes to Life empowers people with cancer to make informed decisions about their care options. For well over a decade, we have provided evidence-based information to those in need.
Most importantly, we offer individual support through:
- our helpline
- our website
- information via blogs and publications
- our book, The Cancer Revolution
- the Yes to Life Radio Show on UK Health Radio
- workshops, talks and conferences
- connecting people to a wide range of specialist therapies and practitioners