‘Many hands’ making light work of support

A TEESDALE support group for people living with cancer is on the move in the hope of reaching out to more people in need. 

Many Hands Healing was launched in May at the home of the SOS Cafe in King Street in Barnard Castle.

Startforth therapist Nicky Morse, who has experience in caring for people with long-term sickness, joined with friends Rachel Hanley and Charlotte Allison to run the free monthly sessions in the town. Ms Allison lost her mum, Lesley, to breast cancer earlier this year and Rachel Hanley has lived with the disease for the past five years. Together the female trio use their own firsthand experience to help others come to terms with the news of a diagnosis.

From next month, the sessions are being run on the first Monday of every month at the home of the Influence Church at 54 Galgate.

Ms Morse said: “We all attend the Influence Church in Barnard Castle and they want to support the group. We wanted to be more in the town to make it easier for people to find us. It is more accessible.” Patients and carers are welcome to attend the sessions, which will run from 10.30am until 12pm.

Free complimentary therapy tasters will be on offer for people living with long-term sickness, Alzheimer’s disease or cancer.

These include reflexology and Indian head massages.

Nutrition and fitness advice will be available to help improve people’s overall health and wellbeing. Representatives from Durham County Carers Support are also in talks with the group about attending to offer health and wellbeing advice specifically for carers.

Ms Hanley said: “I feel as if I can relate to people and offer them help and support from my first hand experience. It is not the end. We want people to have the opportunity to come and be encouraged and be supported in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I wish I’d had something like this closer to home.”

The next session will take place on Monday, October 2.