A CANCER support centre has celebrated a successful first year helping 7,000 patients and carers by providing a "life changing" service and easing patients' anxiety, worry and money concerns.


The purpose-built centre at Southend Hospital, a partnership with the cancer charity Macmillan, gives crucial help, support and advice to sufferers to relieve their stress and pressure.

Hospital staff and volunteers give emotional and practical support for those diagnosed with any type of cancer, ranging from meditation sessions and “look good, feelbetter” pampering sessions. 

Friederike Englund, Macmillan information and support manager at Southend, said: “I think the
figures speak for themselves. We expected 1,600 patients and have had around 7,000.

 “There’s a whole lot of living that goes on alongside of the treatment and medication. “We will help with that andaim to improve the quality of life for people in a whole range of areas, from finance to diet and exercise.”


The centre has been praised by patients with comments such as “I feel reborn”, “You’ve made me feel like a woman again since I started my treatment” and “I didn’t knowwho to ask before you”.


Mrs Englund added: “It is all about improving the patient experience and quality of life, that is what our
emphasis is on. 

“I don’t have any notes or questions I ask, it’s about what the patient wants and
they lead the service they get. “

It is a very different approach to doctors and consultants, as the patient is more in control.” 

The centre has a monthly support group, called Elevenses, allowing patients and carers to go along for a coffee and a chat to meet others in the same position, to share stories and get the advice they need. 

There is also a meditation and relaxation session every Tuesday. 

Austin Olaroye, 49, former health care assistant, of Wansfell Gardens, Thorpe Bay, had a form of cancer called multi myeloma and attended the meditation said: “This was something I had always wanted to try and it really helps a lot.”


Speaking of the meditation workshops, Mrs Englund said:“We know that many cancer patients and, in fact their carers, often struggle with anxiety and worry.


“This weekly workshop provides practical skills to help participants to manage this.

“It is good for people who struggle to talk about things and helps them deal with anxiety.”

A “look good feel better” pampering therapy session is on offer which focuses on skin care and make-up and is led by trained beauticians.

There is also a group, called Headstrong, which provides support and advice on hair loss, scalp care and headwear choices.

Janet Egleton, 53, of Marylands Avenue, Hockley, who had breast cancer, said: “I felt comfortable taking off my wig and doing my make up in this environment with people who were going through the same experience.”

Mrs Egleton explained how cancer sufferers lose their eyelashes and eyebrows and therefore the make-up session was a great opportunity, especially participating in it with others who understood the difficulties of hair loss.