Cancer Care

Welsh Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons visited Community Cancer Care Services in Tonypandy last week to learn at first hand about the services the organisation is providing to the local community.

Dr Gibbons is seen here listening to Andrew Penny of Community Cancer Services) pictured with myself and Andrew Morse of CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation.

Community Cancer Services operate from their centre in Tonypandy, supporting people in Rhondda and Taff Ely.

Community Cancer Services has a drop-in centre, therapy rooms, conference facilities and office space, in environments that have been sympathetically refurbished to ensure a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. Both projects offer aromatherapy, reflexology, reiki, Indian Head Massage and counselling, all provided free of charge by professional, fully accredited therapists and counsellors employed on a sessional basis.

Volunteers staff the centres as befrienders and receptionists and also provide free transport services to take people to and from appointments at their respective centres or hospital.

As a means of ensuring that all parts of the community can benefit from the services, Community Cancer Services is also establishing outreach facilities in the Community. Currently an outreach service takes place at Blaenrhondda Miners Welfare Hall every Thursday and at Sion chapel in Maerdy on Mondays.

I approached Brian about the service in the autumn and encouraged him to visit. He is always keen to see at first hand innovative ideas for patient support.