CancerCare

Providing emotional, social and psychological support for people affected by cancer.

Being diagnosed with cancer can be a life-changing experience for cancer patients, their carers and their families but local charity CancerCare aims to help those affected by cancer by providing relevant information and emotional, social and psychological support.

The charity has centres in Lancaster and Kendal and offers free complementary services - such as counselling, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, alexander technique, friendship and craft groups. Other groups inc. - Head and Neck cancer support group, Thyroid cancer group, Lung cancer support group, Laryngectomy group, Liver, Pancreatic and Oesophagus group and Leukaemia and Lymphedema group.

CancerCare also offers a Children and Young Persons service for children from the age of 3 to 18, who may have cancer, be bereaved by cancer or has a relative with cancer. The service also offers resources, training and guidance to professionals in contact with these young people.

CancerCare was launched in 1984 by Professor McIllmurray, an Oncologist at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Pippa Holdcroft a cancer nurse, who saw how much emotion was evoked through the diagnosis of cancer and the need to help people through that journey.

It costs CancerCare £1.2million every year to provide its vital support service and it is only through the kindness and generosity of the public that CancerCare can continue - with 90 per cent of funding coming from fund-raising.

Free Services

CancerCare's services are offered free of charge by experienced and qualified staff who are selected for their sensitivity and interpersonal skills as well as for their ability in their professional fields. Feeling valued and cared for and being able to share the cancer journey with others, creates a powerful and supportive experience.

Help includes:

Pain management issues
Lymphedema
Needle phobia
Breathlessness
Poor posture
Sleep disturbance
Loss of appetite and nausea

Children

CancerCare has a dedicated Children and Young Person's service, which provides therapeutic support to help children and young people express their emotions and find meaning to their experiences. This happens through a variety of ways, including counselling, play therapy, drama therapy or working with a family.
CancerCare also has two, well-equipped play rooms where children can go and explore their feelings about cancer and grief in a safe, confidential space.

Self-support Groups

For many people, the opportunity to join in with, or develop, groups that offer mutual support is a real benefit and several self-support groups operate from CancerCare.

Art Friendship
An opportunity to maintain friendships and practice skills acquired in earlier group sessions. Weekly meetings are held at Slynedales, Lancaster, and Lakes Centre, Kendal.

Swimming
Weekly private sessions are offered at Capernwray Hall and Sandgate Hydrotherapy Pool, Kendal.

Walking
Monthly, volunteer-led, manageable walks.

Breast Care
CancerCare facilitates monthly meetings for the Breast Care Group and the Young Breast Care Group, at each both the Lancaster and Kendal centres.

Prostate
CancerCare facilitates monthly meetings of The Bay Prostate Cancer Support Group at Slynedales.

Friendship Groups
Anyone affected by cancer can pop in for an informal chat and a cup of coffee, bringing a friend or relative with them if they wish.

AMBLESIDE: Mondays 1400-1600 at Kelsick Centre, St Mary's Lane, Ambleside.
LANCASTER: Tuesdays 1000-1200 at Trinity URC, Bowerham Road, Lancaster.
MORECAMBE: Tuesdays 1400-1600 at Bare Institute, Bare Lane, Morecambe.
KENDAL: Thursdays 1000-1200 at Kirkland Hall, Kirkland, Kendal.

Fund-raising

CancerCare needs people to help with fund-raising efforts to sustain its services in the local community.
With one in three people being diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime, demands on CancerCare's services are growing. Every penny we raise goes back into helping local cancer patients and their family members.
Events help to raise vital funds to keep CancerCare's services in north Lancashire and South Lakeland operating and CancerCare is grateful for any support.

How Businesses Can Help

Corporate Social Responsibility has grown in importance over recent years for companies of all sizes. Many businesses now recognise the impact they have on the communities and environment they operate in and the positive role they can play.

CancerCare plays a vital role in the community of North Lancashire and South Lakeland and by working with us companies can improve the lives of people living in the region.

Many companies find it beneficial to choose one charity to focus their efforts on for a set period, choosing CancerCare for your Charity of the Year guarantees involvement from a dedicated fundraiser. Alternatively organising a one off or annual event can be great fun or you could encourage team building by encouraging your staff to take part in our Challenge 25 initiative.

If you would like to discuss any of the above or Payroll Giving please do not hesitate to contact our Fundraising Team on 01524-38820, 01524-381820 or email fundraising@cancercare.org.uk

How Can You Help?

Every contribution makes a difference, but you don't always need to put your hand in your pocket. Below is a list of ways you can help CancerCare raise money at no personal cost.

Guilt-free Shopping

You can now indulge in Online shopping with a clear conscience. Thanks to www.easyfundraising.org.uk your retail fix can help us raise cash.

The easyfundraising website allows shoppers to nominate CancerCare as their favourite charity and we receive funds every time you visit your favourite on-line store via the site. Retailers make a percentage cash donation to your chosen charity for every purchase and it doesn't cost