Cancer Support Services in Cardiff | City Spotlight

30 August 2020 — david-allen

According to recent research, the survival rate for all cancers for people living in Wales is continuing to increase. Which is good news for the people of Cardiff which is home to one of the UK’s largest cancer centres. Cancer support services in the city and surrounding areas have a great impact for those living with cancer across Wales.

For our latest City Spotlight, we’ve taken a look at just a handful of the amazing services in Cardiff.

Please note, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the services available may be subject to change or on temporarily suspended. Contact the organisations directly to find out more.

LATCH – Welsh Children’s Cancer Charity

Having a child diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia comes as a devastating blow. Latch aims to support families through the difficult time providing onsite accommodation and emotional services for parents and siblings of children being treated in hospital for cancer and leukaemia. They consists of eight hotel-standard bedrooms with televisions as well as kitchen facilities, a laundry room, a dining room and lounge so families can make themselves at home. Staying on site allows families to stay together during a really tough time, and additional services include counselling and alternative therapies, support groups and treats and get-togethers. 

CIty Hospice

City Hospice offers looks after patients with diagnoses such as cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Understanding the preferences of those they care for and where they wish to stay the Hospice is not a bedded unit, but instead, offer care and support to patients in their own homes. They also operate from their bright and welcoming centre which services include counselling, complementary therapies, occupational therapy, advice on welfare rights, and group workshops. They deliver community palliative care for the whole of Cardiff, all of our patients live within the capital, and range in age from 18 upwards. 

BreastFriends – Cardiff and Vale

Described as source of instant friendship, Breastfriends Cardiff and Vale breast cancer support group is for people, both women and men, who have or have had breast cancer, at any stage of their breast cancer experience. In normal times they hold meetings twice a month (once in Cardiff and once in Barry) to which anyone is welcome to “drop-in”, but also offer a buddy system to any new members who may feel a bit shy around strangers! They also go for short walks in their lovely surroundings for any one looking to blow the cobwebs off. The team home to resume their physical meetings and walks very soon.

Tenovus – Sing with Us Choirs

Cancer care charity, Tenovus, offer a range of help and support services including their 16 Sing with Us choirs across Wales. The choirs are for anyone affected by cancer offering support, friendship and fun, and their ground-breaking research has shown singing is good for you too by reducing anxiety and lifting your spirits. You don’t need to read music, or even be a great singer, just be willing to have a go and join in.They sing a range of contemporary songs from the last 50 years from modern classics from the likes of Queen, Elvis, The Beach Boys, Take That or Adele.

Velindre Cancer Centre

One of the largest cancer centres in the UK the Velindre Cancer Centre provides specialist cancer services to over 1.5 million people in South East Wales and beyond. The centre diagnose and treat cancer using a range of therapies such as Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy treatment and offer psychological help to families and carers. Besides cutting edge technology they also offer nutrition and dietetic advice, mindfulness groups, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, reiki and more. There is a palliative care department and a benefits and financial advice service.

Prostate Cancer Cardiff Support Group

Prostate Cancer Cardiff was formed twenty years ago with the clear aim of helping men come to terms with the challenge of the diagnosis, and be better able to handle the difficult periods when it is often traumatic to talk to people, even those very close to you.  They have members from all walks of life, that are both undergoing and who have completed their treatment. Meetings are held bi- monthly and usually contain a presentation, and talk from a guest speaker. After each meeting there are free refreshments and you are encouraged to mingle and talk with fellow patients.

If you have used or know of any cancer support services in Cardiff or beyond, visit our website to add a service to our Cancer Care Map.