I have recently been diagnosed with cancer – what emotional help is available?

If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, your Keyworker (or Specialist Nurse) can help signpost you to local services that may help you to come to terms with the spectrum of thoughts, feelings and worries that a diagnosis may leave you with. There are local people and support networks that can help you with this:

Support groups
St Helens Cancer Support Group run two separate monthly support groups:

  • one for people with Breast Cancer
  • one for men with Prostate Cancer

There is also a ‘Patient Partnership Group’ that consists of patients, carers and representatives from the hospital clinical team and cancer services. The group meets up every six weeks at Whiston Hospital to represent the voice of service users for the Trust. For further information about the Patient Partnership Group please contact 01744 646 775 or visit their webpage by clicking here.

Courses
Macmillan Cancer Support are currently running two information courses:

  • ‘Living with and Beyond Cancer’ open days, held every three months
  • Self-Management courses for cancer survivors, a six-week programme

Counselling
St Helens Cancer Support Group have drop-in sessions twice a week where you can talk to someone in confidence. They are also able to arrange sessions with a professionally qualified Counsellor. You could also look at our section that outlines general counselling available from other charities and organisations in St Helens.

Online communities
Cancer Buddies Network is an online social community that matches you up with others who have been affected by cancer, allowing you to talk to others who have experienced similar feelings and experiences. Cancer Research UK and Macmillan also have their own online communities.

Activities/Therapies
St Helens Cancer Support Group also provide arts & crafts activities and opportunities for relaxation and massages.

The Lilac Yoga Group provides gentle yoga sessions for patients and Carers affected by cancer, helping to reconnect body, mind and spirit. The yoga sessions consist of breathing exercises, gentle physical exercises and relaxation techniques that can help to overcome come of the overwhelming emotions that come with the diagnosis of a life-changing illness.