Why Cancer Counselling

Local cancer charity We Hear You (WHY) are running two free courses for adults affected by cancer in Autumn 2023, with limited spaces available for both.
WHYbemindful is an eight-week mindfulness course, delivered online, for anyone over 18 who has been affected directly or indirectly by cancer, or any life-threatening diagnosis. The next course starts on Thursday 28th September taking place between 6.15pm - 8.45pm until 23rd November. Facilitator Chris Barker has been running WHYbemindful since April 2020 and said:

'It is very natural and normal to be drawn into anxious cycles of thoughts, especially around appointments, scans, and results, or important anniversaries. Mindfulness provides some practical tools to help you stay grounded; to be present with the difficult. We explore what energises and lifts us in our daily life and what drains and depletes us. Mindfulness can be empowering and transformative. It offers the possibility for you to find ways to live your own life, feeling you are in charge, to regain of a sense of having some control of how you live, through whatever comes your way.'

WHYoutdoors, a popular six-week nature connection course, brings together a small group of up to nine participants, who are living with and beyond cancer, in a beautiful woodland setting from 10am to 3pm once a week. A mixture of non-strenuous solo and guided activities promote a closer connection with the natural world, while people form friendships and share experiences, taking a break from daily life together. The next courses start 20th September at Wanstrow near Frome. A previous participant said:
'Participating in WHYoutdoors gave me the excuse to take time out. It was wonderful to have someone ask you to go off by yourself for 20 minutes and simply find a sit spot and observe the beauty surrounding you before calling you back for some delicious homemade soup. In the afternoons we would be asked what we found or thought, and It makes you think "well what did I discover?". What comes out of your mouth surprises you and then listening others recount their experiences nourishes both you and them.'

Anyone who would like to know more about WHYbemindful, WHYoutdoors, or any of We Hear You's services for people affected or bereaved by a life-threatening condition can call 01373 455255, email info@wehearyou.org.uk or visit wehearyou.org.uk.