We understand how receiving a cancer diagnosis and having to prepare for cancer treatment can be an extremely difficult and anxious time for you and your family. Waiting for results, treatment plans and the uncertainty you may be feeling can be difficult to manage and cope with. You may be feeling a mix of emotions right now, and that is understandable.
We recognise that sometimes it can be helpful to talk through these concerns and thoughts to help process what you are going through. We have worked with our HOPE Counselling Service to be able to offer our prehab patients emotional and psychological support prior to your treatment.
If following an assessment by the prehab team, it is felt that you could benefit from wellbeing support, you will be invited to attend the Cancer Prehab Hub. Here you will have an opportunity to speak to a Counsellor regarding your emotional wellbeing.
A wellbeing session will provide:
Opportunity to talk to a non-medical supporter about your worries or concerns.
Support to help manage your anxiety or worries about treatment.
Guidance and information regarding your emotional wellbeing.
Signposting to other services to support the psychological impact of your diagnosis.
The wellbeing session aims to offer you emotional and psychological support, but it is not counselling. If it is felt that you need further support you may be referred to our counselling team. The counsellor will not be able to offer medical advice.
We have put together a list of resources on this webpage we hope you may find helpful.
Signposting for support
There are number of emotional support tools that are already available and in place through a range of charities for various cancers and can be found on their websites the links to these sections are below.
These sites and charities can provide you with a range of support and advice following your diagnosis.
Wellbeing apps
Below are a few suggestions of some relaxation and mindfulness apps you may find helpful. Please be aware that some of these apps (including the free trials) have potential costs associated with them having monthly/annual charges that are not provided by the NHS.These are general examples of relaxation and mindfulness practices and may not be suitable for all patients. If you have any questions or concerns about carrying out any practices please discuss with your medical team first.
Macmillan have created additional tools to support patients with an uncertainty of their diagnosis and how to tell people that they have been diagnosed with cancer. These can be found below:
Penny Brohn is a national cancer charity whose headquarters are located in Pill, a town south of Bristol. They have a wide range of services specifically for cancer patients, including a range of online web content which they have created including their many webinars. They offer care, support and understanding including a range of ways to learn how to make simple lifestyle changes. Find out about, and experience, complementary therapies that are safe for you and, tips and tools to support your emotional and physical health and wellbeing throughout your cancer journey so that you feel more like yourself again.
Online support
Introduction to Penny Brohn UK – A one-hour session offered on Zoom at least twice a month that provides an overview of our approach, the services we offer and how to access them pennybrohn.org.uk/sessions/introduction-to-penny-brohn-uk
Treatment Support Programme a four-week, online Doctor and nurse led group programme supporting anyone preparing for, having, or recovering from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or immunotherapy. Themes include exercising and eating well during treatment, emotional support and using complementary therapies safely, with an emphasis on sharing experiences and listening to others in a safe, supportive environment. This programme is booked through our client support team bookings@pennybrohn.org.uk
Regular group programme – Our weekly Zoom-based programme includes a wide range of informative and/or experiential sessions including nutrition, exercise, yoga, Pilates, dance, relaxation, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, lymphoedema support and resilience building pennybrohn.org.uk/find-help/online-services/.
Resources Online self-care resources include our Health and Wellbeing Wheel, Healthy Eating Guidelines, recipes, and exercise and relaxation videos. We also have a collection of webinar recordings on topics such as fatigue and the long term effects of cancer treatment and dealing with the impact of fear after a cancer diagnosis. pennybrohn.org.uk/resources/
In-person group activities
Wellbeing days – held at our beautiful centre near Bristol, these provide an opportunity to meet others affected by cancer, enjoy some uplifting and inspiring sessions and a nutritious lunch. The monthly rotating programme has four themes: Relax and Rejuvenate; Food and Move; Getting Creative and Nature-based Wellbeing.
Resilience retreats – our new residential retreats aim to enhance our online and information-based services with an opportunity to experience ways to support physical and emotional resilience, in a safe and restorative space. All sessions are optional and there is an emphasis on time to connect with others affected by cancer.
Personal consultations
We offer a number of telephone and zoom consultations each week for those experiencing difficult side effects or limitations as a result of their cancer or cancer treatment, and require personalised support that is not best met in a group setting. Consultations available:
Integrative Doctor Support
Counselling (limited in-person appointments are available in Bristol)
Nutrition support
Exercise and movement support
Our client support team provide a listening ear, guidance and support to help people identify and book the most appropriate services for them 0303 3000 118 or bookings@pennybrohn.org.uk
Find out more
We welcome health care professionals observing our online services and can offer some opportunities to experience our in-person wellbeing days and retreats and/or visit our centre near Bristol to meet with our team. To find out more about our services, how we work and how you can refer patients please contact stephanie.saker@pennybrohn.org.uk.
