About Cancer Support
Cancer Support (Cynon Valley) RCT provides emotional and practical support to families whose lives are touched by cancer living in RCT.
Transport Services
The core activity of Cancer Support (Cynon Valley) RCT from the beginning has been to help cancer sufferers who find it difficult to reach their treatments and therapies by providing suitable and sympathetic transport.
A lot of people in the Cynon Valley do not have their own vehicles. Even when they do, the effects of cancer can make driving difficult or impossible. Buses are rarely a practical alternative. An ambulance is not always allowed, and even when it is often results in a long and uncomfortable journey - a crucial factor to a cancer patient especially when returning from exhausting treatment.
The Cancer Support (Cynon Valley) RCT transport service was started largely by people who themselves had experienced these problems, or had seen their loved ones do so. They were determined that their community deserved something better. From small beginnings the service, which is completely provided by volunteer drivers using their own cars, has become an integral part of Cynon Valley life. Last year 2,484 trips were run, taking patients to treatments and therapies. The distance covered was an enormous 102,000 miles.
If you or a member of your family lives in the Cynon Valley and has cancer, and transport is a problem in reaching treatments or therapies, perhaps we can help. Contact us.
Also, if you would like to be a volunteer driver for us - even if for only one or two journeys a week - please get in touch. We pay expenses to help towards fuel costs while driving for the charity and you will be joining a great team.
Cancer Support (Cynon Valley) RCT offers aromatherapy, reflexology and reiki to clients, including carers of cancer patients. Group ‘therapy through art’ is also available and ‘therapy through music’ and armchair yoga soon will be. These therapies are not treatments. They are given to increase feelings of mental and physical wellbeing. When given to cancer patients with consent from the patient’s doctor they may help the body to benefit from treatments which the doctor has prescribed.
All of our therapies are given to clients free of charge by experienced and qualified therapists. If you feel you may be eligible for a course of therapy and you would like to discuss the options available please contact the Cancer Support Centre.
Therapies at Cancer Support
Music Therapy
Weekly sessions led by Music Therapist Robin Wiltshire are held in the Dare Unit, Aberdare General Hospital .
Music Therapy
Therapy through Art
A friendly, relaxed class for cancer sufferers and carers at the Cancer Centre, between 1-30 to 3-30pm every Tuesday and Wednesday.Tuition given by a qualified art teacher. Absolute beginners and those who think they can’t draw are welcome!
Cancer Support Art Class
Outreach
Reflexology and aromatherapy complementary therapies are available for cancer sufferers and their carers at out outreach. This is a pilot study which has been undetaken by the Charity and supported by The Taff Vale Practice of General Practitioners and funded by WCVA.
To access the outreach contact the cancer centre on 01443 479369.
Additional Therapies
Additional Therapies
Counselling
Empathetic counselling from experienced and qualified counsellors can be an invaluable help both to people suffering from cancer and those close to them. Our service is provided free of charge, and may consist of a single session or a course lasting over a period of weeks, depending on the needs of the client. The service is also available to those who have been bereaved by cancer. Please contact the Cancer Centre if you would like to know more.
Counselling Placement
We offer placement to counselling students who are aiming towards their Diploma certificates. Please contact the Centre for more details.
Support Sessions
Meeting with others who have shared the same experience or want to make the same life style changes can help people a great deal. Under the guidance of skilled and sympathetic group leaders, Cancer Support (Cynon Valley) RCT runs sessions from time to time for groups of people who want to give up smoking, to learn healthy eating ideas, and to cope with bereavement.
Please contact the Cancer Centre if you would like to know more.
Information Centre
Advances in cancer research and treatment are developing fast. Cancer Support (Cynon Valley) RCT has a computer point and information library where people can find out the information they need. Whether a person has come into contact with cancer for the first time and needs basic information, or whether advanced information is needed about developments in the treatment of a particular type of cancer, the facility is available, free of charge.
Training is available for people not used to computers, and using the internet to access information. Please contact the Cancer Centre if you would like to know how to access the service.