Cancer Support Groups in Mid Cornwall

Two women sit on a sofa with coffee and cake at a cancer support group meeting, chatting and smiling. - Home Instead

A Warm Welcome to the Lostwithiel Cancer Support Group

In June, I had the pleasure of meeting Carolyn Screech at the  Cancer Support Café at St Petrocs in Bodmin. Carolyn has a real passion for creating safe, welcoming spaces where people affected by cancer, as well as their loved ones, can come together over a cup of coffee, have a chat and feel part of a supportive community.

It was also great to meet Revd Geraldine Ashton, Lead Parish Nurse, and hear more about the work of Bodmin Way and the support available to people across the local community.

The café is deliberately non-clinical, offering a relaxed environment where people can share experiences, find comfort and connect with others who understand what they are going through. Carolyn also arranges guest speakers, who provide useful information and advice, and helps people find their way to local support services when they need them.

It is a lovely example of the support available locally — and a reminder that sometimes simply meeting others and knowing you are not alone can make a real difference.

Two women sit on a sofa with coffee and cake at a cancer support group meeting, chatting and smiling. - Home Instead

Cancer Groups in Wadebridge, St Austell and Bodmin

The success of similar groups in Wadebridge, Bodmin, and St Austell has been remarkable, and the new group in St Dennis is already growing in momentum. In December 2024, Carolyn celebrated the year’s success with a lunch for members at the Borough Arms in Bodmin for the Wadebridge and Bodmin group, and at the White Pyramid in St Austell for their group.

Originally supported by Age UK and Macmillan, these groups faced the threat of closure. However, Carolyn’s determination led to the creation of a Community Interest Company in early 2024, which has ensured the continuation of the Community Cancer Support Cafes. Carolyn is thrilled to see the groups thriving, proving the importance of offering both advice and social contact to those living with cancer. Funding has come from various sources, including Rotary and a sponsored walk.

A group of older adults smile and enjoy drinks together around a long wooden table in a cozy, well-lit room. - Home Instead

Cancer Support Group Venues and Dates

 

The Lostwithiel Cancer Support Group invites anyone affected by cancer to join them for free refreshments, support, and information. If you’re unsure about attending, why not give it a try? Many find the experience incredibly rewarding, often leaving with a desire to return and continue building meaningful connections.

If you’ve been seeking a place to find encouragement, understanding, and friendship, the Lostwithiel Cancer Support Group could be exactly what you need. They’d love to see you there!

For info email Carolyn at communitycancercafes@outlook.com 07887851714

Cancer Support Group Venues and Dates – 

Lostwithiel – 2nd and 4th Wednesday 2 – 3.30 pm Lostwithiel Community Centre  Plyber Christ Way, Lostwithiel, Cornwall PL22 OHE

Wadebridge – 2nd Friday  – The John Betjeman Centre, Southern Way, PL27 7BX

Bodmin – 2nd and 4th Friday  2 – 4 pm  St Petroc’s Parish Centre , Priory Rd, PL31 2DP

St Dennis –  2nd Tuesday   10.30 am -12.0  ClayTAWCx Fore Street, St Dennis, PL26 8AF

St Austell – 2nd and 4th Wed  10 -12  Bridge 49 , 49 Victoria Rd, Mount Charles, PL25 4QF (next to Mount Charles Methodist Church)

Large, fluffy dog sitting on grass with trees and a church steeple in the background. - Home Instead

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