New monthly online support group launched for Sheffield patients, families and carers

The first session will take place on Tuesday, June 1 from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Being run in collaboration with Weston Park Cancer Charity and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Trust, the group will be a safe space for patients with both low- and high-grade brain tumours, as well as their carers, family members and loved ones. Sheffield residents and beyond can come along to speak to others going through a similar experience, share stories, ask questions or just chat.

The group welcomes anyone living across South Yorkshire or being cared for at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital or Weston Park Hospital, at any stage of the patient journey and from any social and cultural background.

Led by Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity’s experienced counsellors, the informal sessions are an opportunity to connect, socialise and get support from people who really understand.

Running the session online enables anyone to join in from the comfort of their own home, and Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity is happy to help with access for those who struggle with using technology through running practice sessions.

To join the group, patients can call 0114 299 1820 or email [email protected]. Alternatively they can speak to their Neuro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist for further information.

Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity and Weston Park Cancer Charity will be introducing a Sheffield-based in-person support group in the near future.

Marie Peacock, CEO of Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, said: “Brain tumours turn lives upside down. We know how important it is for patients, carers and loved ones to speak to other people who really understand. We are delighted to be able to launch this new monthly online support group for people affected by brain cancer across South Yorkshire and are looking forward to being able to do this face to face in the coming months too.”

Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity is delighted to be working in partnership with Weston Park Cancer Charity, which cares for anyone who is living with cancer or supporting someone else in Barnsley, Derbyshire, Doncaster, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Rotherham and Sheffield City, and the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Speaking of the new partnership Margaret Harrison, Head of Cancer Support Services at Weston Park Cancer Charity, commented: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming this new service to Sheffield and hosting future face-to-face sessions at our support centre, subject to Covid guidelines. It’s a much-needed support service so we’d encourage new members to join in, share their experiences and use this as an opportunity to connect with other people who may be in a similar situation.”