"Having seen friends and clients progress through diagnosis and treatment of cancer, I have been able to appreciate the importance of care and support close to home."
Dr Claire Ryall, Physiotherapist, Bodyworks
We are creating a service that will provide free holistic care and support to people affected by cancer in the Winchester area and surrounds.
This will take place in an informal, uplifting and relaxing environment. We need to raise an initial £350,000 to secure premises and start up services.
What we plan to offer is best illustrated by the following story
I’ve just received a cancer diagnosis. I’m reeling with shock and disbelief and don’t know where to turn.
My NHS oncologist has been patient and supportive but I worry that I’ve already taken up too much of their time as I understand the appointment time pressures they’re under. There are multiple choices and decisions I have to make and I don’t know where to start. I’ve been given a lot of information to read but this has left me very worried and with more questions. Hopefully my appointments to see the NHS specialist nurse and maybe for a counsellor will come through soon.
In the meantime, I start to do my own research online to understand where I can go to access additional support. There looks to be an excellent cancer care centre run by a charity in Southampton but I live in Winchester and I’m not sure I can face the journey. There is a support group for my kind of cancer but it is Hampshire wide and doesn’t often meet in Winchester. It looks like I’ll have to cope with this by myself with the support of my family, but this news affects them too and they might also need support.
I begin to investigate what might help me get the best outcome from my treatment. Hours later I’ve discovered a lot of areas that can supplement my NHS treatment, most of which I will have to pay for privately. But which ones will suit me, how will I know they are a quality provider and how will I ever manage to keep a hold on all this information from disparate sources when my mind is consumed with getting through the basic cancer treatment?
I’ve just received a cancer diagnosis. I’m reeling with shock and disbelief and don’t know where to turn.
My NHS oncologist has told me about the Winchester Cancer Sanctuary. I can go there straight away if I want, I don’t even need to wait for an appointment. I step into the Winchester Cancer Sanctuary building and immediately feel supported. I’m welcomed and shown around so I can understand what they can offer me.
I meet with a volunteer cancer support specialist who completes an assessment with me to determine what offerings will suit me best at this stage. An NHS cancer specialist nurse is on hand to talk me through the information given by my oncologist and answer any questions I have. There is an information area I can browse independently as I take some time to myself to start to come to terms with what lies ahead. It is a lot to process but I can access some free counselling sessions if this is what I need.
There are support groups for me and my family that meet here for people going through similar experiences e.g. by cancer type or for carers. We can share experiences, learn from others and maybe make lasting connections. There are free individual therapy sessions available to help me manage the physical and mental effects of the cancer and free treatments, such as massage, acupuncture, yoga therapy, reiki and EMDR.
There are also regular pop-up talks run by health and wellbeing professionals to share advice and tips on how to improve my nutrition, exercise and body image. In addition, there are free weekly group sessions I could attend such as tai chi and yoga or I could simply relax in an armchair by the fireplace or in the tranquil gardens.
What a range of services! And all in one place. My family and I can keep coming back here and access what we need, when we need it. I leave with a spring in my step, knowing I don’t have to navigate this alone.
Yes. We can claim the gift aid on your donation.
We’ve tried but the local hospital needs a radiotherapy unit before Maggie’s will set up in the area, and Winchester does not have one.
No, and nor will it be in any way a medical setting.
Yes, free of charge, and use our training and support services.
Yes. Credibly sourced reading material, as well as seminars and workshops from recognised experts.
If you are over 18, local (see above) and have been affected by cancer. I.e. you might not have had a diagnosis but a family member has, and you are struggling as a result.
Confidential counselling and support; meditation; massage (lymphatic and aromatherapy); reflexology; yoga & tai chi; acupuncture; reiki; EFT (emotional freedom techniques); guidance on managing reduced income and debt.
Stockbridge to Alresford, north into the Candovers and south to Otterborne.
