As part of Beth’s research exploring life beyond cancer, she has been visiting a range of organisations and services that provide support for those living with and beyond cancer. These services play a vital role in helping people navigate the ongoing physical and emotional impact of cancer and/or its treatment. Beth is using this blog series to highlight what support is available across Essex and share some of the great work being done.
Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre at Colchester. This welcoming spot can be found at the front of the hospital grounds, next to the duck bond and embedded among the wellbeing garden with benches and greenery. From the moment I entered the centre, I was met with warmth and friendliness from the staff and volunteers. I met with Sue (Deputy Centre Manager) and Shirley (Cancer Wellbeing Link Worker), both of whom were enthusiastic to talk about their work and help me understand how the centre makes a difference.
The Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre opened in 2019 in a building that was funded by community donations to Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s Cancer Centre Campaign. The centre works in partnership with local health and social care providers, charities and support groups to share wellbeing activities and resources that can help individuals navigate living with and beyond cancer.
During my trip, Sue and Shirley shared some of the great support they provide to individuals and their families, including physical wellbeing, practical, emotional, and social support and family and relationships. Here are some of the many great services and support the wellbeing centre offers:
Information & Advice:
You can attend the centre in-person or telephone in. The team will be there to listen to how you are feeling, hear your concerns and help to find solutions to any questions you have.
Physical Wellbeing:
The team can offer guidance and support regarding physical activity, relaxation and healthy eating habits. They also run a ‘Fit for Life: The Prehabilitation- Rehabilitation Programme’ which is designed to help individuals prepare for and cope better with treatment and improve recovery once treatment has finished.
Emotional Support:
Their emotional support consists of a range of things including Macmillan leaflets, counselling services, self-management courses, and information about the end of life. They also provide information on their website about local support services which provide the opportunity to chat and share experiences with others who are going through or have been through cancer themselves.
For more information about these groups, please visit their website: https://www.colchestercancerinformation.co.uk/support-groups
Practical & Financial Support:
The centre can also provide support regarding hair loss, wigs, benefits and financial support, transport and helping to return to work. They also offer help to apply for a blue badge and can signpost individuals to the Macmillan Benefits Advice Service for further financial support.
Family & Relationships:
We know that cancer doesn’t just affect the individual, it can impact those around them too, including close family and friends. The centres website provides information about support and resources that family members can access. They also provide children’s books which can help children understand and cope their different emotions or feelings. Moreover, the centre has a Therapeutic Family Practitioner who can work with and support children of those who are going through cancer.
These are just a few of the great services and support that the wellbeing centre has to offer. The centre is a space for people to catch their breath, to talk and to be heard. Sue and Shirley were understanding that every person’s cancer experience is different, what matters is having somewhere to turn to, someone to listen, and support that stretches beyond treatment.
If you would like to learn more about the centre, please visit their website:
https://www.colchestercancerinformation.co.uk/