Cavendish Cancer Care

A person’s journey with cancer can give rise to a vast array of concerns and these may occur at any stage of the disease. For many patients major problems may also arise when they are back in the community between treatments or following discharge, or even after that person is cured or is in remission.

People often require some support to try to reach a point where there is an acceptance of their diagnosis and the impact it has had on themselves and those close to them. They may also need to regain control of their situation and to improve their quality of life, but do not know where to turn for help.

Cavendish Cancer Care can offer this help both to those who have previously received treatment for cancer and those caring for them. We will see people at any time if their lives have been affected by a diagnosis of cancer and they have ongoing concerns that are unresolved, even if this is many years later. All people have to do is pick up the phone and make an appointment; they do not require a referral from anyone and most importantly our care is given free.

Much of the work we do here involves complementary therapies and these range from the physical - for example, reflexology and massage, through the psychological - for example, counselling and hypnotherapy and include, art therapy and spiritual approaches. Therapies are not chosen on a simple symptom directed basis so much as on an informed and very personal choice made by that patient, in dealing with their concerns at that time. In all forms of therapeutic intervention, empathy between the therapist and patient is of paramount importance. Over and over again patients at Cavendish Cancer Care will comment upon the wonderful relationship they enjoy with the place and its staff, as well as their therapist.

National NHS cancer care plans now recommend the integration and value of care such as ours (but direct NHS funding is very limited). Here we were 'ahead of the game' in Sheffield in establishing and developing the Cavendish Cancer Care model of care, which now many other Centres around the country, have taken up and are developing into their own care plans. We have therefore given a national lead.

It has always been our key ethos that all Cavendish Care is provided on a free of charge basis at the point of need, to both patients and their main carer. Without the vital help of generous and ongoing support from charitable trusts such as the Sheffield Town Trust, along with our NHS partners, and loyal supporters who respond to our energetic fundraising, we would be unable to underpin the cost of this care. On completion of their course of treatments, we do however also invite our patients and carers to fundraise amongst their family and friends to "Help the next person through the door".

Up for the Challenge?

Then Register your interest and receive an invitation to the launch event on Monday 5th March 2012 where you will collect your £50 loan from Pam Liversidge your Master Cutler.