05 Aug Torbay Open Door – MacMillan Cancer Support Project

As I sit and reflect about the journey of life and people who have been, and are precious to me, I can’t help but be deeply stirred emotionally by the loss of those who are no longer with us, others who are fighting a courageous battle against cancer, and those in remission and doing well in their recovery.

As a Peer Development Coordinator with Torbay Communities, it feels like a privilege to be part of the Torbay Open Door – MacMillan Cancer Support Project. In the first phase of this project, we learned that people found it challenging to find the support they needed at the time in their life when they needed it most. So, in this second phase of the project, we would like to hear from you to help us develop and ‘design’ cancer peer support services within the community.

Those who know me would vouch that my passion in life is supporting others to have a voice, to be heard and to see positive changes grow from those ‘voices’. For me this approach is the most empowering way to ensure that the development of peer support and local services is truly based on what people are actually saying, wanting and needing. So, of course isn’t it incredibly obvious then who we would ask! Yes, absolutely the best people to ask are those with the lived experience.

We will be holding sessions in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and are inviting people affected by cancer to come along and share their experiences, views, and opinions. What helped, what was difficult and what support would make a real difference?

We understand that everyone’s journey is different and we want to sensitively offer the opportunity for you to share your experiences as they genuinely matter to us.

Please do get in touch with Rebecca Hodgson – Tel: 07944546262 (ECSW/Healthwatch) or Natasha Talbot – Tel: 07977226277 (Torbay Communities) if you, or someone close to you has been affected by cancer. We really need to hear your voices and for you to help us support you in shaping the future for people in Torbay who are affected by cancer.

We will be reaching out to people in a range of ways to ensure we can connect with as many people as possible.

This will include social media. Whilst we realise it would be challenging to respond to any comments you posted, and we won’t be able to communicate and respond online, we want you all to know that each comment will be forwarded to Healthwatch Torbay.