Cancer Support Services in Canterbury | City Spotlight

20 December 2020 — david-allen

The city of Canterbury is one of the most visited cities in England and is of great historial importance with inhabitation in the area since prehistoric times. Today the city has a population over just over 55,000 and cancer incidence is slightly lower than the country average. For those living in the area, services are available covering a range of needs and support for those living with cancer.

Our latest City Spotlight, highlights just a few of those wonderful cancer support services.

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

The Cancer Care Club

Formed 30 years ago as one of the first cancer support groups in the UK it is made up of people who have experienced cancer as either a patient or carer. Meeting twice a month in the The Cathedral Day Unit, K & C Hospital, this friendly group offers support, befriending, practical information for all those affected by cancer plus a selection of guest speakers.

Macmillan Welfare Advice Service – East Kent

Part of the Macmillian Cancer support Group this East Kent service offers free and confidential welfare benefits advice to people affected by cancer and their families. Support includes information on benefits entitlements, income maximisation, appeals, tax credits, charitable grants, housing costs and transport concessions. The centre is usually open Monday to Friday but please check the website or on 01227 762122 to check services in the current climate. 

Pilgrims Hospices

A service with three centres in Kent that offers help and advice for all those coping with an incurable illness. They offer a wide range of support depending on the circumstances and wishes of patient and family from a telephone advice line to regular meetings at their centres or in your home. They offer practical help and advice and emotional support for all affected. 

BRCA Kent Support Group – Canterbury

A friendly support group for women who have tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. The group provides an opportunity for women to meet others sharing similar experiences and talk to someone who really understands what they’re going through in a private and non-intimidating environment. The meetings are invitation only at three locations in the area, contact the service for more details.

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Service – Canterbury Health Centre

You need to be referred by a GP or healthcare professional to use this service that features registered dieticians providing nutrition advice on a wide range of general and specialist nutritional needs for children and adults. This includes a wide range of conditions including nutrition during cancer treatment. It provides services across Kent including in-patient nutrition care at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital plus outpatient clinics; group education, visit community hospitals, care homes, and visits to housebound patients at home.

Citizens Advice Canterbury

Citizens Advice is a great place to get free, confidential and impartial advice on health care, housing, finances, benefits, education, work and accessing support services in Canterbury and across Kent. If you, a family member of friend have been diagnosed with cancer they can offer practical advice and help on how to cope with the practicalities of livng with cancer. 

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