Cancer
Devon Carers can support carers of people living with cancer in several ways.
We can give you information about Devon-wide specialist organisations (see below) and you may find carers groups in your area, some of which are specifically for caring for people living with cancer.
We also run a range of Peer Support groups both online and face-to-face.
We offer Carers Skills Workshops on basic knowledge and skills in supporting you in your caring role. We also run sessions on how to maintain your own health and wellbeing whilst caring. Our courses offer opportunities to meet other carers in similar situations to learn from one another.
Useful information and organisations
Brain Tumour Support
Brain Tumour Support is dedicated to providing support for patients, families and carers so no-one feels alone facing the effects of a brain tumour diagnosis. They provide individualised and specialist information, guidance and emotional support, at any point from diagnosis and for as long as it is needed.
Cancer Support UK
Cancer Support UK provides practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, both during and after the treatment period. They support people with all kinds of cancer across the UK. They offer an eight-week structured peer support and resilience course – delivered by phone – for people nearing the end of cancer treatment, or who have finished physical treatment. Developed by a range of experts the programme offers much needed encouragement and emotional support, which is fundamental to recovery. Groups are run by people who can emphasise and understand what it’s like – as they have exprienced cancer themselves.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK provides the latest cancer research, news, progress, symptoms, treatments and how to get involved with fundraising events.
Force Cancer Charity
Working in Devon to support anyone affected by cancer Force Cancer Charity believe that anyone diagnosed with cancer deserves the best treatment and professional, face-to-face support close to home. The website offers local support, services and information about coping with cancer.
Fern Centre
The Fern Centre is North Devon’s cancer and wellbeing centre at North Devon District Hospital. It’s a safe space for patients, loved ones and carers to access a wealth of free counselling, complementary therapies, hair loss and bra fitting support, and much more.
Macmillan
Macmillan know how a cancer diagnosis can affect everything. So they are available to support you and help you take back some control in your life. From help with money worries and advice about work, to someone who’ll listen if you just want to talk. Search the website for details of their local support and event as well as information and advice for anyone affected by cancer.
Marie Curie
Marie Curie offer support if you or the person you care for have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. You can call their helpline 0800 090 2309 or visit their website to find a directory of help, advice and support from other organisations across the UK. Alternatively you can request printed information be sent to you and join their online community to talk to other people who are sharing similar experiences.
NHS
There are more than 200 different types of cancer and each is diagnosed and treated in a particular way, visit the NHS website for more information, signs, symptoms, treatments, waiting times and services.
The Swallows (head and neck cancer)
We are a nationwide Head and Neck Cancer Charity. We are known as “The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Group” because of the difficulty a lot of people have with swallowing, this group is designed to provide help with patients and carers.
The Swallows was formed by like minded cancer patients to help and support fellow sufferers and their carers. If you are looking for support please come to our meeting.
The Sunflower Bunch (The Dawlish Cancer Support Group)
Our aim is to give practical and emotional support to local people who are or who have been going through cancer treatment. We also offer support to their families. All of us have first hand experience of cancer and can share practical advice and emotional support.
We also hold social events including a monthly meet up, coffee mornings, occasional meals out and picnics by the sea at our Beach Hut.