Pembrokeshire Cancer Support: The Charity Shop In Queen Street,
Pembroke Dock.

THE CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE in Queen Street, Pembroke Dock, provides support for people who have or have had cancer and their families. As the only Support Centre in Pembrokeshire, Charity Coordinator, Lyn Neville says the facility is ‘incredibly important’ for the community and it’s a shame that people only discover it when they need it. The Centre offers a place for Cancer Sufferers and their carers to go to relax, talk to others, enjoy activities and for therapies such as counselling or reflexology. The group began in 1991, meeting in the Cleddau Bridge Hotel before becoming a registered charity in 1995.

The Centre in Queen Street opened in 2007. With 3 part time staff, the centre relies heavily on raising money through fundraising. The Cancer Support shop is one outlet for raising money, while local companies have also offered support. “South Hook LNG have been really good to us,” Lyn says. “They have made a huge contribution to fund the Reflexology. “They have continued to support us over a long period, and have enabled the Charity to improve and move forward.

“We are also the Charity of the year for the Royal antediluvian society of Buffalos, or ‘Buffs’ as they’re known to most people.” The Buff’s are a worldwide group that help raise money through charity work in the community. Lyn, who has suffered from Cancer himself, says they have made every effort to make the centre comfortable and welcoming for the group. He said: “A lot of people are afraid to come here, because they think it will be depressing but it’s not like that at all.

“Our Lounge room always surprises people. We have done our best to make it homely, and even got local artists to donate paintings for the walls.” Relaxation sessions are held in the Lounge room on Tuesday and Thursdays. Karen Deverson runs Tuesday’s class, a general relaxation for the body and mind. Thursday’s class is a ‘surviving stress’ relaxation class run by Heather Owen. Every other Wednesday Morning at 10.30, members take part in crafts and card making classes.

Reflexology is also offered to members for £10 for 6 weeks and the centre’s quiet room is often used by other organisations such as CRUSE bereavement Counselling and Macmillan. There is a wide range of information available in their library and on the Pembrokeshire Cancer Support website. Perhaps the main focus of the facilities offered at the centre, is the role of the support workers.

Barbara, the chief support worker, spends much of her time visiting people in the county, whether in hospital or at home. The staff speak highly of her hard work and dedication, as they do of each other. Deryn, another support worker, says: “Our job is to listen. To provide support and find access to facilities that will help.

Maybe that’s by introducing them to someone with a similar form of Cancer, or helping to provide financial and emotional support.” Thanks to funding from Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda health board, The Support Centre has just started an outreach service providing reflexology to those who cannot access the facilities in Pembroke Dock.

Hetta, the reflexologist, visits the Cottage hospital in Tenby as well as some people’s homes. But, as Lyn points out, financial restraints mean that facilities are often limited. For the future, the staff would like to see more facilities available, as well as support for carers too. Lyn said: “Sometimes I think it’s harder for them, watching a partner or family member go through something.” Delyth agreed, and said: “Sometimes they can’t talk to family members and they take it all on themselves. It’s stressful and they often need a break.”