Bedford Daycare Hospice supports World Cancer Day and its aim of closing the care gap to enable more people to seek and receive the care they need and deserve.

Throughout the week we have raised awareness of the challenges of living with a life-limiting cancer diagnosis. Staff, patients and volunteers have worn cancer ribbons in recognition of the types of cancers, symptoms and individual journeys. We recognise that everyone is likely to have a very personal and emotive experience of cancer and the impact on a loved one.

Raising awareness, improving education and catalysing personal, collective and government action is vital to ensure we are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all – no matter who you are.

“While we live in a time of awe-inspiring advancements in cancer prevention diagnosis and treatment, many of us who seek cancer care hit barriers at every turn. Income, education, geographical location and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability and lifestyle are just a few of the factors that can negatively affect care.”

Source: Cancer Research UK

Have you or someone you know been affected by any of the issues highlighted by Cancer Research UK?

Our Cancer Support services at Bedford Daycare Hospice are free to local residents in Bedford and Central Bedfordshire and we are here to help and support you through every stage of your Cancer journey, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

We can offer complementary therapies such as reiki, massage and reflexology, and chair-based yoga run by a therapist trained in cancer rehabilitation. We also have a counsellor who we can refer people to who need support to deal with their condition. We run a free drop-in Cancer support group every Friday from 10am, this service is accessible via referral from a Healthcare professional or you can self-refer. We also offer education, talks and one-to-one support to aid with any concerns that individuals might be facing arising from a cancer diagnosis.

One of our patients, Linda shares her experience of coming to the Hospice on a weekly basis.

“So lovely yesterday to see lots of the people who attended and the lovely staff, always so nice to see people like myself who have been through the trials and tribulations of Cancer, it’s really helps to be able to talk with people who have been there or just starting, everyone is made to feel welcome.”