FORCE launches online support groups
Keeping in touch with others has been more challenging than ever since lockdown, so FORCE is proud to offer a series of online support groups for people with cancer and their families to stay connected.
From next week FORCE will be offering access to groups via the Zoom video communication platform.
There will be a virtual Art Group and sessions in Mindfulness, Relaxation and Anxiety Management and Sleep and Managing Fatigue.
The first in a series of pilots for the project is the Art Group, which starts next Thursday (June 18) with six weekly sessions planned.
The group will be led by local artists and those taking part will be sent packs of materials ahead of the first session.
Weekly Mindfulness sessions will begin on Friday June 26 (9:30-10:30am), led by Oncology Support Specialist Paul Grace. The group will last for an hour and will run on four consecutive weeks.
The four-week Relaxation and Anxiety Management course will be run by Oncology Support Specialist team lead Emma Ellis, running on from Wednesdays (10-11:15am) from July 15 to Aug 3.
Advice on Sleep and Managing Fatigue will be a one-off session, delivered by FORCE Information Manager Annie Kerr and specialist Oncology Physiotherapist Louise Ballagher on a regular basis.
Guidelines
There is no start date yet while the programme is being finalised.
For all of the online support groups, everyone involved will be contacted ahead of the first session to ensure that the technology is working.
Participants will also be sent a set of ground rules and guidelines so that everyone can get the most out of each session.
If you would like more information about our online support groups and how to register, please email us on support@forcecancercharity.co.uk or call 01392 406151.
The first art and mindfulness courses are already fully booked and places on each of the others are limited so FORCE will establish a waiting list.
The charity cannot offer its usual face-to-face support while our centres are closed due to Coronavirus.
So, we have adapted our services to meet the needs of the people who need our help.
Counselling, information and advice on claiming benefits and how to exercise safely are all available on the phone or via video calls
