Ashford Breast Cancer Support Group (ABC Support Group)

The Ashford Breast Cancer Support Group usually meets in the Education Centre, 1st floor, Ashford Hospital, London Road, Ashford, Middx TW15 3AA, on the second Monday of every month from 7.30pm. until 9.30pm.

The group offers support and practical help to those who have had, or who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Meetings are held in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and partners, family members and friends are also welcome. You don't have to be a patient at ASPH to attend the group - our members have had treatments at a wide range of hospitals across Surrey, London and Berkshire.

We have an annual programme covering a wide range of complementary therapy, lifestyle and medical themes. For further information please see our website at www.abcsupportgroup.org or you can contact us via email on info@abcsupportgroup.org

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Body Soul Nutrition

Body Soul Nutrition offer a range of services to help people with cancer optimise their healing potential. Our particular expertise is in the area of nutritional support and healthy lifestyle. Recently evidence has been accumulating and studies show that the right diet, physical activity programme and emotional support can: improve the effectiveness of treatment, reduce its side effects, help to prevent recurrences and new tumours, and improve overall well-being. Our team can guide you through the maze of nutrition and healthy lifestyle information to find an approach that works for you.

Call 07815 817050 or visit www.bodysoulnutrition.co.uk

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Freedom Insurance

Freedom specialises in travel insurance for people living with pre-existing medical conditions and we're pleased to offer our expert service to CREST members and those living with cancer.

Getting travel insurance when you live with cancer can be complicated, so we aim to make the process as stress free as possible. We have been helping cancer patients, those who are in remission and people who are now cancer free to get travel insurance for over 10 years and if for any reason, we are unable to provide a quote on the Freedom scheme, we don't mind searching the market on your behalf to find a solution.

Our medical screening team are a friendly bunch and although not medically trained, you will find them sympathetic and understanding, treating each case on individual circumstance and basing quotes on a person's current health status. Travelling companions can take advantage of Freedom's well-constructed travel insurance policies too! Freedom Travel Insurance is underwritten by AXA Insurance UK plc. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations apply.

Please call us on 01223 454 290 to discuss your travel insurance needs or visit our website at www.freedominsure.co.uk/Cancer-Travel-Insurance for further information.

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Home Equipment Finder - to help people stay independent at home

Do you know or support someone who struggles with daily tasks such as preparing a meal, doing up buttons, putting on shoes, or moving around the house?

A new online (searchable) catalogue has been launched to help residents access the right equipment and technology to suit their needs, helping them stay well at home and therefore less likely to be admitted to hospital.

There is a lot of equipment and technology available to help make daily life easier for people who are struggling with everyday tasks at home. New technology or small changes around the home can make the difference between living independently and needing someone to help. The new Home Equipment Finder has been developed to make it easier for residents to find information and give them, their families and carers options to hire or purchase equipment which suits their needs and help in making the right choices on the type of support they need.

Residents can search via health need, room in the house or type of equipment to find practical solutions to fit their needs, from grab rails to help overcome physical barriers, to smart technology to help their daily life easier.

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Look Good ... Feel Better

Look Good...Feel Better (LGFB) is an international charity operating in 24 countries worldwide. It was introduced in the UK in 1994 and our unique Programme of free skincare and make-up workshops is now available at over 65 hospitals and cancer care centres around the country.

Our aim is to help women combat the visible side effects of cancer treatment. The therapeutic and psychological benefits of women wearing make-up have been well-documented and nowhere are these more relevant than in one of our workshops.

With wide-ranging support from the Beauty and Perfumery Industry, LGFB is able to help over 11,000 women each year through our workshops and an even greater number through our unique self-help Confidence Kit DVD & Booklet and website.

LGFB is supported by over 40 member companies of the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Foundation, who provide generous funds as well as donations in the form of products and the expertise of their volunteer beauty consultants. Each lady attending a workshop receives a wonderful gift bag with a selection of products from different brands, all generously donated by our member companies.

The volunteers who help run our workshops are trained beauty consultants from member companies or freelance make-up artists, who all offer their time and expertise at the LGFB workshops. The basic thinking behind LGFB - that if you look good, it can help you feel better - is recognised by the different medical professionals involved in patients' care and treatment.

Workshops take place once or twice a month at several locations in this area including The Fountain Centre (Guildford), Sir William Rous Unit (Kingston), The Haven (Fulham), Maggie's Centre (Hammersmith) and The Cancer Centre London (Wimbledon).

For more information and to find a workshop near you, please visit www.lgfb.co.uk or call 01372 747500.

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MidasPlus

MidasPlus raises funds and distributes them to community groups and individuals in Surrey, Middlesex and surrounding areas who demonstrate a need that cannot be fulfilled elsewhere. Many of the individuals have nowhere else to turn and MidasPlus is seen as a 'last resort'.

For example:

• We have gifted a fully powered wheelchair which has given a disabled person the freedom and independence they need.
• We have funded a new bath room for an elderly gentleman struggling to look after himself.
• We have installed a new phone line for an elderly infirm couple.

We do much more so please contact us.

We will also consider projects being carried out by other charities but cannot donate towards running costs.

If you think we may be able to help please email info@midasplus.org.uk or see our website www.midasplus.org.uk

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Myeloma UK

Myeloma UK is the only organisation in the UK dealing exclusively with myeloma. Our broad and innovative range of services cover every aspect of myeloma from providing information and support, to improving standards of treatment and care through research, education, campaigning and raising awareness.

With Myeloma UK, patients and family members can:

• Call our Myeloma Infoline on 0800 980 3332 for information, practical advice, emotional support and a listening ear.
• Get free Essential Guides, Infoguides and Infosheets providing a range of information on all aspects of the treatment and management of myeloma.
• Attend Patient and Family Myeloma Infodays to learn about myeloma from experts and meet others affected by myeloma.
• Subscribe free to Myeloma Matters the only myeloma-specific newsletter in the UK.
• Visit our website www.myeloma.org.uk - a comprehensive and interactive website providing immediate 24-hour access to information about myeloma and connect to others in a similar situation through our online Discussion Forum.
• Join a Myeloma Support Group - to find one near you visit - www.myeloma.org.uk/supportgroups

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One-to-One (North West Surrey)

Operating in Spelthorne, Elmbridge, and Runnymede we organise weekly social events for adults with Learning Disabilities. Events range from quizzes, to discos, music nights to sports and crafts.We hold regular pub nights and a monthly bingo and sing-a-long session.

Our members range from 18 to 80+ and if we can help CREST Members who feel they may need our support, please contact us and mention you are a CREST member to the team.

For more information please contact the co-ordinator on 01784 446279 or email us at 1to1@spelthorne.gov.uk

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Runnymede Borough Council

Runnymede Borough Council offer a range of community services which may be of benefit to CREST members who live in the Borough to support independent living and reduce social isolation.

These include:

• Community Meals for people who are housebound or who are unable to cook for themselves.
• Community Alarms installed in the home to provide immediate support and assistance for individuals at home and reassurance for families living away from loved ones. All the units installed are connected to our 24 hour control centre in Addlestone.
• Telecare in Runnymede. In addition to a Community Alarm unit, other items of equipment are available to support independent living at home called Telecare.
• Community Transport providing easily accessible minibuses for residents of the borough unable to access mainstream public transport due to age, mobility problems or disability.
• Three friendly Centres for over 55s in Addlestone, Egham and New Haw. The centres provide opportunities for people to meet others and make new friends, as well as being able to offer support and advice. Freshly cooked lunches are available each day and each centre offers a range of activities.
• The Runnymede Wellbeing Centre in Egham, a one stop shop for help and information about dementia, memory loss and related services.
• Five Independent Retirement Living properties designed specifically with older people in mind, so encouraging people to live as independently as possible in secure, convenient and comfortable accommodation.
• Runnymede Care and Repair which provides advice and support to assist elderly, disabled and vulnerable people in the maintenance and adaptation of their home.

For more information about Runnymede Borough Council’s services please call 01932 838383

Our website address is: www.runnymede.gov.uk

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Shepperton Wig Company

Shepperton Wig Company is a small and friendly local wig company run by Joanne and Linda. It has been in existence for 10 years doing film, theatre, TV and personal wigs. We supply real hair wigs, ready to wear wigs and facial hair if needed. Our range of wigs are mainly Ellen Wille but we do stock Gisela Mayer and Trenco as well.

We are situated in a very private setting in Unit 11, Vicarage Farm, Halliford Road, Sunbury on Thames TW16 6DW where there is plenty of parking and wheelchair access.

We have an "appointment only" system so you have your own personal time with us, which is normally about an hour. While you are here we will try wigs on out of our stock and find something you feel really good in. If we do not have the right wig in stock we will order it in, which normally takes a week. If any alterations need doing to the wig fit, or it needs trimming down, we are able to do that for you here as well.

We will take you through how to put your wig on properly and how to care for it, and if you have any problems when you start wearing the wig we are always here for help and advice.

If you feel you would just like to come for a look or you have any questions please give us a call on 01932 225796. We are more than happy to talk to you and answer any questions.

Our website address is: www.sheppertonwigs.co.uk

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Wellbeing and Exercise

Wellbeing and Exercise works in partnership with Woking Borough council in running exercise classes for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. The classes are suitable for those waiting for treatment, during treatment and after treatment. The class is designed to suit all levels from beginners through to the more experienced and I have the knowledge and expertise to ensure each session is tailored to your specific needs and fitness level.

Common side effects of cancer such as weight gain, loss of muscle strength and fatigue are all things that regular exercise can help to negate along with a positive outlook. By partnering with Woking Borough Council you receive a free one to one consultation and your first exercise session is free and you are welcome to bring a relative or friend. There is no obligation to join and thereafter the classes are £5.

The class is held at Byfleet Village Hall, 54 High Road, KT14 7QL on Fridays from 11-12 o’clock.

So why not join our friendly group and contact me for a chat.

Call 07768 790887 or email info@wellbeingandexercise.co.uk