New cancer support group is launched in Barry
New cancer support group is launched in Barry – By MARCUS STEAD:
People affected by cancer are being invited to join a free support group centred around arts and crafts that will meet monthly at Age Connects in Holton Road, Barry.
The new group has been created by the Ray of Light Cancer Support charity and will meet on the second Wednesday of every month to offer friendship and support to cancer sufferers as well as their spouses, friends and carers. The group also offers support to people who have completed their treatment but are still experiencing the psychological effects of having cancer.
The inaugural meeting took place recently and was attended by people who crafted items with a Harvest Festival theme.
Katie Mottram, community project co-ordinator for the charity said: “It sometimes takes a while for new groups to gain members, but we found from talking to people of all ages at the meeting that there’s a lack of support for people in the Vale, and in many cases they’re not in a position to travel to Cardiff to receive the help they need.
“When a person has cancer, it’s not just the individual who is impacted. It affects their partners, other family members, friends and carers.
“The first meeting was quite emotional because people were very open about what they’d been through and there was a lot of peer-to-peer support.
“It’s important to look after people who are caring for those suffering from cancer, because they will be on an emotional rollercoaster as well, and they can benefit from a support network of people who will listen to them and help in a non-judgemental way.”
Katie added that it is important to remember that people can feel the psychological impact of cancer long after their treatment ends: “It’s not uncommon for people to have completed their treatment and be in a position to be able to get on with their lives, yet they still experience a wide range of emotions due to having had cancer, including fear, anxiousness and tearfulness.
“People who are in this situation are very welcome to come along to our monthly meetings where they can discuss their feelings with people who are able to relate to them,” she said.
The meetings also give people a chance to learn more about other facilities offered by the charity, including the befriending service, where a volunteer phones the person in need once a week to provide emotional and practical support.
Meetings take place at Age Connects, 38 Holton Rd, Barry on the second Wednesday of each month between 10am-12pm.
For further information, call Katie on 0738 5097488 or email
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🌟 This article first appeared in the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star on 20.10.22. Read it in print first!
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