Support Groups
Support groups are provided for both men and women within local centres. Local support centres provide a quiet, safe and supportive environment for groups to share experiences, express feelings and explore new ways of coping and living with cancer. Group members are encouraged to play a more active role in their rehabilitation process. This can enable members to regain a sense of control and improve communication with medical and nursing teams. Other goals of support groups are to alleviate feelings of isolation, reduce anxiety, redefine life priorities and develop new coping mechanism therefore reducing distress, increasing feelings of well being and ultimately enhancing quality of life.
There is now a growing body of evidence suggesting the benefit of support groups for people with cancer.
Throughout Ayrshire a team of volunteer counselling/group workers provide a much-needed service for anyone affected by cancer. A recognised training policy is in place and counsellors are supervised both through group and individual formats as required.
Confidentiality is of paramount importance and all counsellors adhere to a strict code of confidentiality.
