Be kind to yourself this Christmas
We often hear how this time of year can be a very difficult time for someone affected by cancer.
It can intensify already challenging thoughts, feelings and situations which naturally come up while living with a diagnosis of cancer and its treatments.
In our latest podcast, FORCE Support Services Manager Alex Moseley and Oncology Support Specialist Emma Ellis talk openly about the ways they find to cope with stressful situations.
That might be finding the courage to say no or identifying a quiet space where you can take some time for yourself.
Maybe it’s building Lego, knitting or even gargling!
It’s about what works for you.
Alex and Emma have also compiled a list of organisations that may be able to offer help while our Support Centre is closed for the Christmas and New Year break.
See below for useful links, including self-help films and audio on the FORCE website.
If you or someone you are concerned about is in an emotional or mental health crisis that requires an urgent response then:
Contact the person’s GP, or the GP out of hours service or call NHS on 111.
If you have serious concerns for someone’s immediate safety then they can go to Accident and Emergency or phone the emergency services 999 for assistance.
Samaritans
https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Open 24 hours
Telephone (free): 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
The National Suicide Prevention Helpline
https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/
Tel: 0800 689 5652
6pm to 3:30am everyday
Marie Curie
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/marie-curie-support-line/christmas
Tel: 0800 090 2309
See website for times
The Moorings
https://www.mhm.org.uk/the-moorings-devon
See website for times
SHOUT – support and confidential text service
Text SHOUT to 85258 – FREE 24 hours a day
NHS
FORCE Cancer Charity
https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/supporting-you/mindfulness-and-relaxation/
https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/videos/
FORCE offers a range of free support for you at any stage of your cancer journey.
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer and you need support, advice or information, contact FORCE.
Call: 01392 406151
Email: support@forcecancercharity.co.uk
Website: https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/supporting-you/
