As part of Beth’s ongoing research into living beyond cancer, she has been visiting organisations and community groups that offer support and connection once treatment has ended. These spaces are doing vital work – supporting people to rebuild their confidence, look after their wellbeing, and connect with others who understand after what life after cancer can feel like.
In early spring, my colleague Chris and I had the chance to join Life After Cancer Essex (LACE) for one of their regular Walk and Talk meetings at the beautiful Marks Hall Estate in Coggeshall. LACE was founded in 2021 by Steve and his late wife Jo, who had personal experience with cancer. Together, they saw the importance of peer support, not just for those living with cancer, but also for close friends and loved ones who are affected by cancer. What began as a small idea has grown into a powerful and much needed community offering a wide range of support across Essex. It has now become a Community Interest Company (CIC) and is a non-profit making organisation, relying on donations and funding.
LACE offers a range of free therapeutic activities such as pottery classes, wellbeing sessions, creative workshops and much more – all designed to offer peer support for people emotionally, physically and socially. The broad range of activities encourage individuals to stay active, look after their mental health and nourish connections with others who understand what it is like to experience cancer.
One of their activities are weekly walk and talk sessions, bringing together anyone who has been affected by cancer. The group comes together not only for the physical benefits of walking, but also for the conversations they have with others and the community feel that the group creates. One individual described how walking felt second nature to the connections they made with their peers through conversation.
When attending one of the walk and talk sessions, we were met with open arms from the members at the weekly walk and talk and I was inspired by how natural and open the conversations were. Individuals shared stories, spoke about their day-to-day lives, offered reassurance and laughed with one another. There was no pressure to speak about their experiences of cancer, but for those who wanted to share, the space was a non-judgemental environment to do so. The walk itself was a slow-paced stroll around the grounds of Marks Hall in Coggeshall. There were opportunities to stop for breaks, see the beautiful estate and even the peacock if you’re lucky! After the walk, we were welcomed with tea and coffee from Mrs Sailsburys, a tearoom on site. This was a time to recuperate from the walk, continue conversations and connect with each other.
I was grateful for the chance to take part in one of the Walk and Talks with LACE and to hear Steve share his story and the inspiring work he continues in memory of his wife. What truly sets LACE apart is its heartfelt, peer-led support. It creates a welcoming space where people can care for their physical and mental wellbeing while connecting with others who genuinely understand what they’re going through, something that many people find deeply meaningful.
For more information on LACE and how you can get involved in the activities, please visit the website or contact via email: [email protected].
Beth Pittuck,
Research Officer