PEER SUPPORT

Between our members, we have a wealth of knowledge, hints, tips and ideas which have helped us to survive our journey through the world of breast cancer. We would like to share them with you all. Everyone is very different, in personality and in how they choose to tackle their diagnosis, treatment and recovery, so not all of these ideas will be right for everyone. Have a look through and take from this page any ideas that you feel comfortable with and know that the rest will be here if ever you need them.

Telephone: 01904 721166

Email cancersupportandinformation@york.nhs.uk

 What is it like to have breast surgery at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust?   In this series of videos, staff from York Hospital explain the process, what you can expect before, during, and after surgery, and how surgery may impact your life.  CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOS

All patients who are undergoing cancer treatment are able to book themselves onto a Look Good Feel Better session where they are pampered and made over by volunteers who are trained beauticians. It is an amazing experience where new friends are made and useful tips and ideas are given, such as how to pencil in eyebrows and how to use eyeliner to create the illusion of eyelashes. Contact York Cancer Care Center to book or go to https://thelevesoncentre.org.uk/our-support/

Published in 2014 this video gives useful advice and tips on how to ‘Live Well with Cancer’. Its a must have for any cancer patient. You can  watch it via the link below.

http://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our_services/az_of_services/cancer_services/living_with_cancer_dvd/

Dedicated to improving the quality of life for the senior residents of York. They work to help people over the age of 50 by: Providing a free and independent advocacy service and ensuring you have a voice in the issues that concern you. For more details please click on the link below.

http://www.oldercitizensadvocacyyork.org.uk/

Changing Faces supports and represents people who have conditions or injuries which affect their appearance. This includes scarring from surgery as well as facially as the name suggests. To find out more about how they could help you just click on the link.

https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/Home

Helping those seeking cancer support in York and North and East Yorkshire. Perhaps you’ve been recently diagnosed, or you’re looking for ways to give a loved one extra support. Whatever your personal challenge, you’ll find the answer with our local services. 

Cancer Support, Fundraising & Research in York - York Against Cancerservices.

The Leveson Centre is opening in February at the York Community Stadium in Huntington. The Centre will be located right next door to our York Against Cancer gift shop and will offer a wide range of holistic cancer support services to complement the clinical treatments provided at York Hospital. It will be providing a weekly and monthly timetable of services as well as the opportunity to drop in for a cuppa and a chat. To find out more and to be added to the mailing list on; office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk

The voice of those affected by cancer in Yorkshire and the Humber. They are an information and support network for people affected by cancer and those who support patients and carers in the Yorkshire and Humber area. Contact them for information or to have your say.

https://yorkshirecancercommunity.co.uk

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we're here to help. Find out how we support you and get information about different cancer types. Macmillan have a support line which is free to call 0808 808 00 00 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Contact Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 and ask about the free Bupa specialist counselling service for people living with cancer. They're open, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.

Macmillan know that cancer can cause problems at work, whether you’re employed or self-employed. Whatever you need to ask about cancer and your rights at work, they’re here for you:

• Contact the specialist team on 0808 239 5164, web chat or email; the work support team can support with advice and refer you for one-off legal advice if you need it.
• Sign up to trusted information by email from day one.
• Visit your local Information and Support Centre to speak to someone in person about your work situation.

Read our help with work information. 

Macmillan recognise the importance of quality sleep for positive mental health and to aid recovery from cancer treatments. They have lots of information on Insomnia and also have a partnership with the Sleepio App which is free to use for anyone living with or beyond cancer. 

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, CRUK provide practical information on everything from symptoms and screening, to coping after treatment. They also have a cancer chat forum where you can chat to people across the country who understand.

Cancer Research UK

Breast Cancer Now works hard to provide the best information and support for people affected by breast cancer, wherever in the UK they may be.

If you have a question about Breast Cancer Now get in touch with their Supporter Care team at hello@breastcancernow.org or call 0333 20 70 300 or visit their website.

Their phone lines are open 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am-4pm on Fridays.

Living Well Health Community supports people with chronic and life limiting illnesses including stage 4 cancer to live well, via a group support and shared experiences. If you'd like to spend time with people who know what you're going through and understand how you feel, then please join us from 10am to 12noon. We offer friendly faces, support, chat, a cuppa and friendship. We look forward to welcoming you to our group.

Meet at St Edward the Confessor Church, Dringhouses Fortnightly.

Email them for more information livingwellhealthcommunity@yahoo.com

York and Scarborough Hospitals and Breast Cancer Now have launched meet-ups for those diagnosed with later stage breast cancer. The York group meets on the third Wednesday of every month, and gives patients the chance to discuss their experiences with others, as well as a guest speaker and trained counsellor. Register to attend.

Move Mates is a York based walking buddy project which makes getting out for a walk a reality for people who would otherwise find it difficult to leave their homes. Our volunteers give people the confidence and moral support to leave their homes and go for a walk, improving their physical health, reducing isolation and ultimately making people feel happier!

People are paired with one of their trained, friendly, local volunteers to meet regularly for a walk. These regular walks boost people’s confidence, reduce anxiety and improve physical and mental health outcomes.

Move Mates helps adults of all ages by providing motivation and company, enabling people to become more active and less isolated. The wonderful volunteer Move Mates support people to get out for a walk – for any purpose – when they would usually struggle to do so on their own.

More info can be found at https://movemates.org.uk/york/

Talking About Loss is a registered charity that was set up by Jacqui Gunn, a Yorkshire farmer's daughter who found that she had nowhere to turn to talk to her feelings on the untimely death of her Dad.

Talking About Loss is here to ease the isolation and fear surrounding death and to provide a safe environment for people to share their experiences in the hope of helping both themselves and others. They offer self help guidance on dealing with grief as wlee as counselling and pop up events. They have premises in Market Weighton and Snaith and run a monthly drop-in support group in York. 

For more information go to their website Talking About Loss, call them on 07885 206473 or email them info@talkingaboutloss.co.uk

Mel trained in Chinese medicine and in acupuncture after benefiting from Acupuncture in the treatment of the side effects of her own breast cancer treatment. So she knows the kinds of things we may face. She offers a discount to members of Breast Friends York. Join us to get the code. She is based in York Eco Centre at Clifton Moor from April 2023

Email Mel nourishfromwithinacupuncture@outlook.com

Call her on 07766346516

Friday, 11.00am - 11.30am

Led by Katy, Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist Physiotherapist, there will be a maximum of 6 participants in each class, all of whom are utilising the Cancer Rehabilitation service. 

Please book in advance either by calling our main reception on 01904 501690 or booking online.

To access the BFY funding you will need to be a member of BFY - JOIN HERE