The Awareness Centre - Cancer Support
New Cancer Support Group for the local community It is likely that among our family, friends and work colleagues we all know someone who has in some way been affected by cancer. It is now recognised that a strong support network increases the recovery and ‘healing' of cancer patients.
A diagnosis of cancer can be a devastating and frightening experience with many competing emotions. It can be difficult at this time to know which way to turn for support both physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Financial matters for some may also add a tremendous worry to this scenario.
AXCIS (Axminster Cancer Information and Support) is a new organisation due to open its doors in January 2009 to offer help, support and information to cancer patients and their carers in the local community. The service will operate from the Axminster Awareness Centre, which has been offering healing and complementary health services in Axminster for over 10 years. The service will initially offer a weekly drop-in session where patients and their carers will be able to access information and support in an informal, friendly and caring environment. They can pop in for refreshments, gather a wide range of information, access the internet and the Centre's extensive library, or just have a chat with fellow patients/carers and staff/volunteers. This service will be free, with healing available by voluntary donation. A wide range of complementary therapies will also be available at greatly reduced cost.
A bi-monthly Support Day (to be held either on Saturdays or Sundays) will commence in February 2009 where patients and carers can come to spend a day listening to talks, workshops and demonstrations, and learning relaxation and other self-help techniques. There will also be an opportunity to experience the different complementary therapies available.
The AXCIS Committee led by its Co-Ordinator, Debbie Foster who is a Shiatsu Practitioner at the Awareness Centre, are really excited to be able to offer this service to the Community, and are looking for volunteers to assist with a range of activities, including offering that friendly welcome, lending a listening ear, or simply making that all important cuppa! We would particularly be interested to hear from anyone who has experience of working with or supporting cancer patients, or from people who have experienced cancer themselves. It is anticipated that all volunteers will be offered free basic training, with the first two workshops, run by Macmillan, scheduled for the end of October. If you are interested in helping or would like to know more, we would love to hear from you. An open meeting will be held on Thursday 2 nd October 2008 at 7pm at the Axminster Awareness Centre to which anyone wishing to find out more is most welcome. Please contact Debbie on 01297 35211, or email debbie@fieldmaple.co.uk . Alternatively, contact Lyn at the Awareness Centre on 01297 32331.
For information contact: The Awareness Centre - Axmnster 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Contact Information:
The Awareness Centre. Chard Street. Axminster, Devon EX13 5DZ
Telephone:01297 32331 email: info@awarenesscentre.org.uk
The Awareness Centre is a Registered Charity No. 106437.