Changes to cancer support during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic

We’ve announced a number of immediate changes to our support services in response to the coronavirus pandemic. We’re working hard to introduce new services so we can continue to be there for as many people as we can who need support. 

With immediate effect:

• Our four support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Hythe (Waterside) and Newport, Isle of Wight, will close for drop ins on Friday 20 March
• All support groups have been paused, including MENTalk and the Sing for Life choirs
• Patient transport on our Daisy Buses for people arriving from the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands for hospital treatment at Southampton General Hospital and Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, will keep running with increased precautions

We’ve set up a Facebook group for anyone who needs support. You can request to join here. We’re also in the process of introducing online and telephone support for anyone living with cancer. This will include videos and helpful advice, online streaming of classes and meditation and telephone counselling. We’ll release more information as soon as these services become available. 

We’ve also halved the price of our ‘This Is Me’ journal which has been designed to help you find a way through cancer that works for you personally. Copies are now £7.50 and can be ordered here. 

Cait Allen, our CEO, says:

 

If you have cancer you might be particularly worried about how coronavirus affects you. The most important thing is to follow the advice of your healthcare team. Because people with cancer may be at a higher risk of infection, we’re going to be constantly reviewing and evolving our services to protect the people who rely on us for support, whilst still being there for them as much as we can. It’s understandable that if you’ve got cancer you might be feeling particularly anxious at this time and we’re going to be introducing a number of new things in the coming days and weeks to ensure as many people as possible continue to get help. 

Regular updates will be on our website. 

Please follow official Government and NHS sites for the latest official advice about coronavirus.