Local support groups
Being told you have cancer or that your cancer has returned can leave you and your loved ones feeling shocked, upset and very isolated. There are so many questions to be answered and so many feelings to deal with.
By joining a cancer support group you can spend time with people who share or understand your experience. It’s an opportunity for you to talk to others who have been in a similar situation and who may have a greater understanding of how you feel. The simple act of sharing can make an enormous difference to the way you feel.
We only recognise and recommend support groups which have been set up in accordance with strict guidelines and protocols in agreement with the hospital trust and cancer patients.
There are also many national cancer charities and support groups which can be found by searching online.
Wessex Cancer Trust
We run a walk-in centre in Romsey offering free professional counselling, reflexology, aromatherapy massage and yoga. We have an information library and can provide befriending by trained volunteers.
Christian Cancer Care
Support/self-help group for people with cancer, their relatives and friends. We meet monthly at The New Hall Christian Baptist Church, Christchurch.
Contact 01202 487442
SHINE
A network for younger adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s living with and beyond cancer. Different to traditional support groups, Shine focuses on the social side of support by providing relaxed and informal opportunities to meet new friends who have similar experiences and lifestyles.
Mosaic
Dorset-wide charity supporting bereaved children, young people and their families. We also support those children and young people facing the death of a parent.
www.mosaicfamilysupport.org.uk
Macmillan Carers and Bereavement Group
A group for carers and families. This group is only open to those referred to a Christchurch Macmillan consultant.
Contact the Family Support Team, Christchurch Hospital on 01202 705499
The Living Tree
Self-help group & weekly drop in at the Friends Meeting House, South Street, Bridport. Information, speakers & support on diet, exercise, relaxation, therapies, creative arts etc to help us live well with cancer.
Contact - email jo@jovian.co.uk or call 01308 427851
Brain
Hammer Out – Dorset Brain Tumour Support Group
Support group for anybody with a brain tumour, their carers and family. Meetings held every two months at the Springfield Hotel, Wareham, Dorset.
Breast
Bosom Pals Bournemouth & Poole
Support group for all those with breast cancer in the Bournemouth & Poole area. Monthly meetings at the Highcliff Marriott Hotel with an interesting variety of speakers and plenty of free time to chat.
Pink Champagne
- for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to provide support and recreational activities
- demonstrates the benefits of an active lifestyle through the sport of dragon boat racing
- encourages women to lead full and active lives.
Weymouth and Portland Breast Support Group
Monthly meetings at the Weymouth Bay Methodist Church, Melcombe Avenue, Weymouth. We have speakers, lunches and outings.
Contact Joan Wheller - email joan@jeffandsue.co.uk
Younger Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group
A group of breast cancer survivors who have joined together to show there is life after cancer. We go on outings, have lunches, cream teas and coffee mornings. We meet monthly at the Children’s Centre, Dorset County Hospital.
www.breastcancersupportinwestdorset.co.uk
West Dorset Breast Cancer Support Group
We offer friendship and moral support to women who have had breast cancer. We go on outings, have lunches, cream teas and coffee mornings. Come and talk to others who have been through what you are experiencing and discover life is beautiful and that you will make it!! We meet monthly at:
- Joseph Weld Hospice, Dorchester
- Bridport Community Hospital
- Pimperne Village Hall, Blandford
www.breastcancersupportinwestdorset.co.uk
Bandana Group
We are a group of women of all ages who have been through, or are going through, treatment for breast cancer. We meet monthly at St Ann’s Church Hall, Radipole Lane, Weymouth.
Just A Second
A support group for women with secondary breast cancer to share their experiences and concerns in a safe environment. Monthly meetings are held at the Hotel Du Vin, Poole, facilitated by a breast care nurse and a counsellor.
Contact – Breast care nurses Michelle Pidgley or Tracy Acock on 01202 442861
Colorectal
Semi-Colons
The Semi-colons group gives support and information to patients and their families, carers and friends who have experience of bowel cancer. Activities include regular meetings, fundraising events, parties, quizzes, coffee mornings, guest speakers, organised walks and much, much more.
CUPID
The Colostomy, Urostomy, Pouch and Ileostomy group of Dorset. An East Dorset group providing support to patients, families, carers and friends before, during and after stoma surgery. Regular meetings are held every two months in the afternoon in the Bournemouth and Poole areas.
Contact - email stoma.care@rbch.nhs.uk or call 01202 704813.
Head and Neck
About Face
We provide information, signposting and support to people living with, and beyond, cancer of the head & neck, as well as to their families and carers. Our services include one-to-one and group support from individuals who have already experienced it themselves, acting as volunteers for the charity. A support group meets monthly at The About Face Centre in Poole. Tel: 01202 677340
HANDS (Head And Neck Dorset Support)
To give support, information and advice to patients and their families who have experienced head and neck cancer. This is a Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust support group, supported by cancer nurse specialists Claire Clarke and Karen Roberts. We are also supported by the Dorset Cancer Network. We meet every other month at Hamworthy Library and in Poundbury, Dorchester.
Contact your cancer nurse specialist Claire Clarke or Karen Roberts on 01202 442365 or 01202 442071
Leukaemia
Leaf
Leaf (Leukaemia Educating and Friendship) fundraises to help young people and adults living in Dorset and Hampshire affected with a blood cancer who are receiving treatment or who have needs since being discharged from hospital.
Lung
Inspire
A friendship and support group for patients, relatives and friends affected by lung cancer or mesothelioma. We meet monthly in the St Leonard's Hotel, Ringwood Road, St Leonard's, Dorset.
West Dorset Lung Cancer Support Group
We meet monthly to offer support to patients and carers.
Contact Alex Hillcox-Smith, Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist, Dorset County Hospital email alex.hillcox-smith@dchft.nhs.uk
Lymphoma
Lymphoma Support Group
The group is run by members, for members, with the aim of offering support to the people who either have or are affected by lymphoma. Meetings are held every two months.
Contact - Sammie Pope, email sammie.pope@poole.nhs.uk or call 01202 448218, or Morag Day on 01202 540844
Prostate
South Dorset Prostate Cancer Group
For people who have prostate cancer - we aim to provide free information, emotional support and advice to all members and their families in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Meetings are held every two months in St Andrew's Church Hall, Preston, Weymouth.
Contact email Barry Newman – lulpgtemgr@armourercentre.mod.uk or call 01305 834064
PCaSO Prostate Cancer Network
We support men, wives, partners and families before, during and after treatment. We supply comprehensive information on treatment options and operate a helpline. Meetings are held every two months at St Mark’s Church Hall, Talbot Village.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma South UK Support Group
We are a small number of sarcoma patients who have got together to make friends and support each other. Meetings are held every two months alternately in Bournemouth (The Grove Hotel) and Southampton (Sunrise of Bassett).
www.sarcoma-support-south.org.uk
Upper GI (stomach or oesophagus)
The GO Group - Dorset Gastrectomy and Oesophagectomy Support Group
Opportunity for patients and carers to meet others who have had surgery for stomach or gullet cancer. We arrange summer outings as well as more formal meetings with guest speakers.
Contact your cancer nurse specialist:
Mike Goodman (Bournemouth) on 01202 704340 or email mike.goodman@rbch.nhs.uk
Emma Selby (Poole) on 01202 448739 or email emma.selby@poole.nhs.uk
Jayne Wraight (Dorchester) on 01305 255710 or email jane.wraight@dchft.nhs.uk
Urology
Wessex Urology Support Group (WUSG)
Our aim is to relieve, assist and help any person suffering from any condition that affects the bladder, in particular those who have or are undergoing urological surgery and to improve their quality of life. We hold regular meetings and have Macmillan trained members who have experience in offering one-to-one or group social contact.
