Don’t Go It Alone’ offers help to those affected by cancer or bereavement

A new group to support people after bereavement launched in Kendal in April 2024.

The ‘Don’t Go It Alone’ Peer Support Group was initiated by a former CancerCare client, Una Bell, whose husband Geoff died of cancer last year.

After his death, she wanted to meet others to share experiences of the grief and loneliness she experienced – and with CancerCare’s support she has launched a friendly group to offer support and the opportunity to meet others who understand.

Una first started receiving counselling at CancerCare during her husband’s illness, to help her cope with her new caring responsibilities and the loss of their plans for the future. But after he died, she continued counselling in “a state of shock, traumatised by what had happened.”

“It was during one session I expressed my frustration that there were no local bereavement support groups. Surely I can’t be the only bereaved person in Kendal!”

“Isolation and loneliness have been the hardest thing for me to endure since Geoff died. The loneliness has been crippling. I know I can’t be the only one feeling this way. CancerCare has been my lifeline. Right from the start I felt welcomed and comfortable, but I need to meet with others on this journey and I genuinely feel sharing experiences and being with others who truly understand is vital.”

“As the group develops we will establish what those attending ‘need and want’. We will then be able to not only offer a friendly and inclusive support group, but also offer resources (e.g. books to borrow), signpost to other support services and perhaps periodically ‘host’ guest speakers.”

If you’d like to come along to our ‘Don’t Go It Alone’ Peer Support meetings, or find out more about our ‘Hug In A Mug’ groups in Barrow and Slynedales, please just call in, or contact Louise.Andrews@cancercare.org.uk