We welcome women who have been affected by a gynaecological cancer to attend the support group.
You may be have been recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment or even finished treatment.
It gives an opportunity to meet other people who may share a similar experience which can be supportive to you.
Our monthly support group/coffee morning is held on the first Saturday of each month, in two venues, to allow flexibility of access.
In January, March, May, July, September, November it’s held at the Ekco Sports and Social Club, Thornford Gardens, Southend. SS2 6PU.
In February, April, June, August, October and December, it’s held at the Women’s Clinic, Nightingale Centre, Southend Hospital, just off Carlton Avenue.
All our coffee meetings feature friendly reassurance, from women who have also been diagnosed with gynae cancers, chat, free cake and refreshments and relaxation sessions.
A qualified nurse will be there for the hospital meetings to offer support and information.
For support at any other time, the CNS answerphone is on the hospital number 01702 435555 extn 6464, where your query will be answered quickly by a call back.
Our COPES exec phone number is 07546 316735. Please leave a voicemail as this phone is monitored by our volunteer committee.
Just turn up. You don’t need to bring anything and entrance is free. Bring a friend or family member along for your first meeting if you wish.
We meet on the first Saturday of each month
If you are nervous about attending please feel free to get in contact with a member of the committee, they may be able to meet and greet or assist with travel arrangements.
The coffee morning/support groups are held monthly. Please see the news section on the website for details of the meeting venue.
Here are a few words of encouragement, some patients’ comments below –
‘I thought it was going to be all doom and gloom and miserable but it’s such a tonic’,
‘I thought it would all be about cancer’,
‘I really look forward to meetings; it’s just a coffee morning with my friends’,
‘You can access support immediately’
‘You’re all just so full of smiles and friendly. I feel as I can say what I want and you’ll understand.’