As part of Beth’s ongoing research into living beyond cancer, she has been visiting organisations and community groups that offer support and connection both during and after cancer treatment. These spaces are doing vital work, supporting people to rebuild their confidence, look after their wellbeing, and connect with others who understand what living with and beyond cancer feels like.
Last December, I had the opportunity to attend Tea and Talk at Toby’s, a cancer support group in the heart of Brentwood at the Toby Carvery. I first heard about the group through the wonderful Dr Eric Watts, who founded Tea and Talk at Toby’s with Anne about 10 years ago. Eric has done an enormous amount of work into life beyond cancer, reflecting on his own experience and offering support to those who need it.
Tea and Talk at Toby’s is a support group for not only people living with and beyond cancer, but also for their partners, friends, relatives and carers too. They recognise that friends and family members supporting individuals who have received a diagnosis, need just as much support. The group offers a space for individuals to connect with peers who understand what it is like to live with and beyond cancer, to speak about their worries, share happy moments and ask each other questions. Beyond this, the social aspect helps individuals to build new friendships and continue supporting one another beyond their cancer diagnosis.
Tea and Talk at Toby’s is facilitated by brilliant staff and volunteers at Saint Francis Hospice’s OrangeLine Service. The group meets on the first Monday of each month (excluding bank holidays) at the Toby Carvery in Brentwood and is attended by around 20-25 people. The Toby Carvery kindly provides a welcoming space for the get-together, with free parking and refreshments for all who attend.
During my time at the group, it was evident that what Eric and Anne created, and what the wonderful OrangeLine volunteers continue to maintain, is truly special for many. As people arrived in their Christmas jumpers and wore reindeer antlers for the Christmas lunch, there were many similar faces who shared with me what a valuable support group Tea and Talk at Toby’s is. There were also some new faces, all of whom were met with warmth and friendliness from both the staff, volunteers and their peers alike. The atmosphere felt supportive and open as people spoke about upcoming appointments, shared positive news about their cancer and continued to get to know one another.
The wonderful Karen, a Project Manager at OrangeLine, gave me the opportunity to speak about my research, and people were eager to let me know the importance of shining a light on such vital support groups. I had many insightful conversations with those who attend the group regularly, and their questions reflected important aspects of my project that explore support following treatment. I also had the honour of meeting Dr Eric Watts in person and discussing our respective research. Eric has done an amazing job at raising awareness of the importance of support after cancer treatment and has written several articles on this topic. As he spoke to the group, it was clear that many resonated with his experience and valued both his lived experience and clinical expertise. Once again, demonstrating the significance of peer support during and after cancer treatment.
This visit, like the other wonderful groups I have been to during this project, highlights just how vital support groups are to individuals living with and beyond cancer. Not only do people form meaningful friendships, but they are also provided with a safe space that supports those who may feel lonely, isolated, or simply want to speak with someone who understands what they are going through. I would like to thank Karen, Anne, Eric and the other wonderful staff and volunteers for giving me the opportunity to attend the group and witness the incredible work being done, I look forward to visiting again soon.
If you are in the Brentwood or surrounding areas and would like more information about Tea and Talk at Toby’s please visit:
https://www.sfh.org.uk/news/tea-and-talk
To speak with a staff member who facilitates the group:
Call: 01708 758649
Email: [email protected]