On 4th February it is World Cancer Day, a global uniting initiative raising awareness, improving education, and catalysing action in the fight against cancer. At Involve, we run our Cancer Support Network to support those in and around the Wokingham Borough who are affected by cancer. Whether you are a patient, carer or loved-one, anyone who has faced difficulties because of a cancer diagnosis can join our network. Becoming a member gives you access to a wide range of benefits, including direct peer support, online support, expert speakers, monthly meet-ups, and wellbeing events.
We have our coffee and chat meet-ups every month in venues in and around Wokingham; We want to ensure that they are accessible to people from all parts of the borough. It is a really informal and welcoming group, creating a safe space for people to share their cancer experiences and connect with new friends. We run various events and activities, both in-person and online, such as crafting workshops, exercise programs, wildlife wellbeing walks, educational presentations, and more.
We know that cancer can make people feel isolated and taking that first step towards support can seem a bit daunting. We are very much a community resource, so attendees are always welcome to bring a friend or partner to events before getting more involved. We try to offer a variety of different experiences, both to keep members physically active as well as mentally challenged, all wrapped up with social connection.
Additionally, we run our volunteer buddying or direct support programme. Cancer Champions are volunteers with their own life experience of cancer who we recruit and train to deliver direct peer-to-peer support, often by telephone. They will be able to lend a listening ear and support you on an emotional level, Often having someone to talk to outside of your normal group can make all the difference.
One of our Cancer Champions, Stephanie, gave us her unique perspective on the motivation and reason for wanting to become a volunteer: “Five years into mine and my daughter’s cancer journeys, I decided I wanted to give something back and use my experiences to provide support to others who are living with and beyond cancer. Every person with cancer has a different experience; They may feel happy one day, sad and fearful the next, and so having a normal conversation about everyday things and sharing a joke with a friend who understands can sometimes be very welcome. I’m a people person and am passionate about wanting to help others; It cost nothing to listen and to be supportive. The best thing about being a Cancer Champion though, is knowing that I’m making a difference.”
The Cancer Support Network is a group of like-minded people with the commonality of cancer. All different types, but all with similar side effects and feelings when faced with diagnosis and treatment. If you know anyone who would benefit from becoming part of the network, please let them know about our services. Plus, if you’ve never been along to any of our sessions (which are mostly free for network members!) and you are not sure what to expect, please feel free get in touch beforehand! Please email us via cancer@involve.community leaving your name phone number so we can call you back for a friendly, no-obligation chat.