Earlier in July, Orbit Counselling launched its partnership with Lingen Davies Cancer Support. Below is the press release sent out on the launch day:
The region’s primary cancer charity has teamed up with a specialist counselling service to better support the family and friends of people living with the disease.
Lingen Davies Cancer Support, which recently launched the £5,000,000 Sunflower Appeal to deliver cancer services into Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital, is building on its Wellbeing offering for those living with and beyond cancer.
As well as delivering projects for patients the long-running cancer charity has also teamed up with local therapists to provide free therapy for the family, friends, partners or another close person, supporting a cancer patient.
A recent consultation commissioned by the charity revealed the lack of help for carers with many stressing the need for psychological support. Recognising this gap in provision, Lingen Davies which covers Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales, has partnered with Orbit Counselling to launch the new service and fill the gap.
Starting in September, up to eight weeks of therapy will be provided to people aged 18 and over. Sessions, entirely funded by the charity, will be held at the Hamar Help & Support Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies, said: “We know there is a huge need for a service like this in our region with many carers struggling with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnoses of somebody close to them.
“This could be a parent, sibling, child, partner, friend, or another close person who just wants a space to talk and we are delighted to be able to provide this.”
Counsellor Ben Payne, who runs Orbit Counselling, said he was thrilled to partner with Lingen Davies to offer the vital support.
“When someone close to you is facing cancer, your world can change too,” he said. “As a family member, partner, friend or carer, people may feel overwhelmed, isolated, anxious or depressed. It is important that carers look after their emotional and mental well-being and we are offering a safe, confidential, non-judgemental and compassionate space to really hear people and support them in the best way possible so they can keep on supporting someone living with cancer.”
Information about the service will be available from Macmillan Cancer Support, carers centres, health professionals, community networks, on social media, and the websites of Orbit Counselling and Lingen Davies Cancer Support. People are welcome to self-refer.
www.orbitcounselling.co.uk/lingen-davies or email hello@orbitcounselling.co.uk
The charity is also delivering dedicated services for children through the Kids Happiness Club – a targeted, soft approach to delivering support for children who are struggling because a close relative has been diagnosed with cancer. Further information is available through the website.