COPES July NEWS 2025
JULY COFFEE MORNING SUPPORT GROUP
This is being held on
Saturday July 5th from 10 am to 1 pm
At THE EKCO SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB
Thornford Gardens, Southend SS26PU
We always welcome new members and our Support Group is free to any woman who has been diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer.
We run on a drop in basis, so there’s no need to commit to the whole morning if you’re busy. Just pop in and say hello.
We’re a group that is run by women who have had a gynae cancer for women who have had a gynae cancer diagnosis,,,,…..we understand!
The group is free and features refreshments, support, chat, complementary therapies, discussions, a £1 raffle and info about COPES social events. It’s all very light-hearted and welcoming.
As several members have said, “This is not at all like I’d expected a cancer support group to be! It’s just like meeting friends for a chat and a coffee”
A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN DIAGNOSING CERVICAL CANCER
At COPES we are always trying to raise the public awareness of the symptoms of gynaecological cancers. As many of us know, early diagnosis gives us the best chance of successful treatment. We occasionally do talks to Women’s Groups and we take any opportunity of raising awareness of the signs and symptoms, telling people what support is available and publicising the work that charities and the various local hospitals do.
This week there has been quite a lot of publicity in the media about the availability and trialling of cervical cancer self-testing kits, for women who are unable or unwilling to go to their regular cervical screening. The test is a swab which the woman can insert, collect a sample and send off for testing.
Mr Razvi, the consultant at Southend Hospital, was, I believe, interested in some of the early trials of this idea, when he spoke to us, on the COPES committee, many years ago.
It’s very reassuring, how these ideas emerge, are discussed, trialled and eventually come to our awareness and are used by potential patients. The medical and CNS specialist gynaecological oncology team at MSE Hospitals are keen to push the development and integration of new methods in diagnosis and treatment affecting the women in their care.
As chair of COPES, I was very happy to be contacted to speak on Greatest Hits Radio this week, about the impact that the new development of Self-Testing, could have on local women. I believe the interview was run several times over the day.
COPES Social Events – looking ahead.
We are always looking forward to our next fun outing at COPES.
We believe in making the most of whatever treats we can.
Watch out for details – in future newsletters – of a wonderful lunch with live entertainment at The Cliffs later this year, a visit to Clay Cottage pottery painting and afternoon tea and, next spring, a return of our popular fundraising Dinner Dance.