Chantry Library’s regular cancer support group is hosting a special event next Thursday (4 April) to raise awareness of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month which runs throughout April.
The Cancer Support group is celebrating five years having originally started in 2019. The group is run in Partnership with Macmillan Cancer – who help to fund the running of the group, with great support from volunteer Ian Denison who is committed to promoting the benefits of coming along for a friendly monthly chat and providing peer to peer support.
Ian is himself a survivor of Bowel Cancer and also runs another successful monthly Ostomy group which meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the café in Notcutts Garden Centre in Woodbridge. You can join this group on Facebook.
Ian Denison said:
“Having been diagnosed with Bowel Cancer in December 2016 and after two operations for the removal of tumours and subsequently a year of recovery, I became a Patient Experience Volunteer with Ipswich Hospital up until the COVID period. In 2019 with the support of Chantry Library and Macmillan we started the monthly Support Group. I felt that my experience having cancer and my research and self determination to improve my life style that I could help and pass on my experience to others in a sympathetic and confidential manner.
"I hope that this group can help others who may be affected by cancer by providing a place to talk to others and get support.”
The event will run from 2.30PM with guest speakers from Suffolk Sound Radio - Rob Dunger and Mark Jepson – who has been a great advocate over the past months, helping to promote the group. Suffolk Libraries CEO Bruce Leeke will also be attending along with staff from Macmillan Cancer and Suffolk Libraries.
Free refreshments will be available as well as a chance to chat and celebrate the day and find out more about the group.
Chantry Library’s cancer support group meets on the first Thursday of the month from 2.30PM to 4.30PM. The group is aimed at anyone affected by cancer – whether they themself have cancer or knows someone who does.
Kellie Dimmock – Suffolk Libraries Information for Living Librarian – has been passionate about setting up more groups like this within libraries because she can see the incredible difference it makes to those who attend:
“I was thrilled when over six years ago Macmillan Cancer approached us to ask if we would be interested in setting up some friendly and informal cancer support groups in libraries with tea and cake and some supporting Macmillan information books and leaflets, so I jumped at the chance! I have had experience of how cancer can affect families and I know that there is great merit in giving such initiatives a go, because they often start off small and is wonderful to watch how groups like Chantry can grow and become successful, safe, warm non-clinical spaces to meet.”
A similar cancer support group also runs at Kesgrave Library on the third Monday of each month from 10.30AM to 11.30AM.
The groups provide a welcoming and supportive environment and a chance to chat and socialise with other people in a relaxed, informal and open environment.
Macmillan Cancer Support also provides information to support the group and libraries hold copies of various Macmillan information leaflets. Macmillan Cancer Support will also be attending the awareness event at Chantry Library on Thursday.
