A SUPPORT group established to help those whose loved ones are suffering with cancer has helped change the life of its users.
Barnsley Carers and Loved Ones Affected By Cancer Social and Support Group meet twice a month at Priory Campus, offering people the chance to meet and connect with others going through similar situations.
Established by social prescribing workers for Barnsley Healthcare Federation, Joely Crawshaw and Amy Bassinder – whose father suffers with terminal cancer – the group intends to be informal, not forcing people to talk or share their full names, but rather to build out a support network during difficult times.
Amy said: “It’s not only for those supporting people with cancer, but also people who have been bereaved from cancer.
“It’s a social group where you can get together with people who know what you’re going through.
“But we can also get people in touch with services like hospice care or bereavement support.
“It’s 100 per cent made a difference – it’s just good to talk to other people who understand what you’re going through.
“It can be a really isolating experience when you’re trying to support someone, so these connections help.”