TWO grants totally £8,000 has helped Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support give comofort and friendship to cancer patients.
The group provides counselling and other support services to people living with cancer. It has been particularly important for those who have been impacted by Coronavirus in terms of delayed treatment and lack of support due to social distancing.
The group has also opened Mary’s Hut, a beach hut at Lyme Regis, for cancer patjents to spend a day by the sea.
The idea for the hut came from a family who lost a friend to breast cancer. After her funeral at Lyme Church they saw an information board about fossil hunter Mary Anning and learned that she had also died from breast cancer and had endured limited treatment and support.
They discovered film company Fossil Films who made a film about Mary’s life, called Ammonite in 2020) had shot scenes in the town and given a sum of money for local causes. They approached the town council and the hut was made reality. Anyone who has been through, is going through or has been affected by cancer can use it to enjoy the sea and views of Lyme.
CEO Mary Kahn said: “We know from past experience that our support has a positive impact on the mental well-being of our clients and, in those recovering from invasive and debilitating treatments, on physical well-being too. Client feedback tells us that our support network has been of great value for both patients and their loved ones and carers.”
We know from past experience that our support has a positive impact on the mental well-being of our clients
Find out more about the group here.
Mental Health Awareness Week , which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, is in its 21st year.
This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature’. Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.
Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.”
Find more details about the week here.