WHAT DOES SAMSPACES DO?
'I was put in touch with Sam through a mutual friend. During my treatment I didn't feel in the right place to reach out to anyone but it was a few months after my treatment had finished when things started to return to normal that I felt the need to talk to someone who understood. On the outside I was looking like I'd put it all behind me when on the inside I was still processing the shock of it all, getting used to my new body and the side effects of my ongoing treatment. I was so relieved after meeting Sam for the first time, knowing there was someone local who had been through much of the same surgery and treatments who properly understood what I was going through. I think with Sam she really does strike the right balance between being a supportive listener and adviser but also being a friend who likes a chat and a giggle! As life moves forward and my cancer journey hopefully becomes further and further away it brings me huge comfort knowing that I've got somewhere that I can share my feelings and fears openly that sometimes with very close family and friends it's hard to do.'
-Becky BC oestrogen receptive
-Becky BC oestrogen receptive
SafeSpace Support Groups
Safe Space gatherings are usually held once a month. We have a whats app group which mostly all members are on. It is a lovely way of checking in, asking advice, sending inspiring pictures and quotes and it has been a life line for some. I will often use this group for setting up a gathering and sharing details.
Sometimes we meet for a coffee or a walk, just to chat and build friendships and check in with each other. We usually do a different activity each time, focused around a wellbeing activity or professional. So far we have done;
a cookery class,
a movement & dance lesson,
crystal workshop,
pottery painting,
yoga nidra,
a sound bath,
a reflexology and hypnotherapy workshop,
a talk on the benefits of essential oils, among other things!
Everyone is welcome to come, share experiences or just sit and listen.
The space is usually in the Farnham or Guildford areas, but we also have members from Godalming and Cranleigh too.
You don’t have to talk about the big C. We are often too distracted to even think about it!
There are usually six to seven people each time; some come regularly, others as and when they are able.
There is no pressure. The beauty of this group is that everyone knows it is here and can come along when they need to or just join in the chat here and there on the whats app.
Your first session is free and the cost thereafter is a donation per session, to cover refreshments.
Get in touch on the contact page if you are interested in learning more about Safe Space meetings.
You can also join the Facebook group Samspaces - Safe Space After Cancer and my instagram @safespaces_safespaceaftercancer.
'I went along to the Samspaces meeting, was very warmly welcomed by all , and realised I was among friends who had been through similar experiences to me and come out the other side. They understood my self consciousness re my very short hair having lost it after 2nd round of my chemo and the feeling that everything felt different. Since then Sam added me to the groups WhatsApp group, a safe space to ask anything, be encouraged and rant if needed. I have also been to an Arts therapy class and a Christmas Sound bath followed by coffee & mince pies. I also went with Sam and another lady from the group to a Macmillan support day, to speak to them about what support Samspaces had meant to me, and a little about my experiences. We ended up sharing with a group of nearly a 100 people, not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed sharing my story and hearing stories from others.
That is what is so special about Samspaces, sharing in each other’s lives and sharing our stories. Especially in these strange lockdown times, I know the support is always there, at the end of the phone, WhatsApp message or zoom call x'
Sue Breast Cancer
Post Natal Doula Services
After having a baby a few months after cancer treatment and then a second and a third diagnosis with a sixteen month old and then two year old, it was important to me to offer support to any new mothers who may also be experiencing pregnancy or early motherhood after being affected in any way by cancer, as well as any mother needing that post natal help.
The similarities between recovering from childbirth and being unwell are not so different. After my daughter was born, having someone outside friends and family to physically and emotionally support me for a few hours each week, while also appreciating the far reaching side effects of cancer on breastfeeding, fatigue, anxiety and mental health, would have been game changing.
For more information about my post natal doula work and how I might be able to help, head over to MummaBaby Space website.
Macmillan Community Cancer Navigators
In 2019 I was invited to join a brilliant initiative set up by a collaboration of Macmillan, Virgin Care and the NHS. As a cancer navigator we support people living with and beyond cancer following the completion of active treatment. The support is also there for family and carers. As a group we are there to provide;
- general information to enable people to navigate the health and social care system so they can make more informed decisions.
- Signposting, advice and guidance, including self care information.
- community based initiatives to improve the wellbeing of the living with and beyond cancer community
- a program of Health and Wellbeing events in the Farnham area
The telephone number for this service is 01483 782056 (Monday to Friday between 8.30am-4.30pm)
Or email [email protected]
One to One Buddy Support
If you have found yourself struggling to adjust to life again after cancer treatment and you feel it might be helpful having a chat with someone who totally gets it and can understand, outside of family and friends, while you take your time to find your feet again, I also offer a buddy support.
Using my doula training, this service is a one off or a series of appointments and/or phone calls where I can listen and hold your space if you need to talk, empathise, signpost to local wellbeing and healthcare services and therapists, encourage self care and offer ideas and suggestions to empower and reassure you.
I charge £15 per hour online and £18 in person.
You can also pay £55 for a block of four 1hr sessions.
If this is something you might like to explore further with me, get in touch here.
Samspace Bracelets
About five years ago I collaborated with the fantastic Hanging By A Fred to offer a unique and beautiful Samspace Bracelet. Made of disused climbing rope, they are strong and hard-wearing, mirroring the strength and courage of the person wearing it. The many threads wrapped around this rope represent those of healing, recovery and resilience, hope and bravery. The special charms are a reminder that we are truly amazing, and if we believe in ourselves we will always succeed. We are never alone and are always being looked after.
They have been produced to raise the profile of After Cancer Awareness, as well as representing the unique patient-to-patient solidarity within our communities.
Freddie Matthews started designing jewellery and pieces for the home made from climbing rope after losing her father to cancer. She is a truly inspirational lady whose experience of supporting someone through cancer is phenomenal.
The bracelets cost £19.99 including post and packaging, with 10% going to the charity Climbers Against Cancer.
Safe Space gatherings are usually held once a month. We have a whats app group which mostly all members are on. It is a lovely way of checking in, asking advice, sending inspiring pictures and quotes and it has been a life line for some. I will often use this group for setting up a gathering and sharing details.
Sometimes we meet for a coffee or a walk, just to chat and build friendships and check in with each other. We usually do a different activity each time, focused around a wellbeing activity or professional. So far we have done;
a cookery class,
a movement & dance lesson,
crystal workshop,
pottery painting,
yoga nidra,
a sound bath,
a reflexology and hypnotherapy workshop,
a talk on the benefits of essential oils, among other things!
Everyone is welcome to come, share experiences or just sit and listen.
The space is usually in the Farnham or Guildford areas, but we also have members from Godalming and Cranleigh too.
You don’t have to talk about the big C. We are often too distracted to even think about it!
There are usually six to seven people each time; some come regularly, others as and when they are able.
There is no pressure. The beauty of this group is that everyone knows it is here and can come along when they need to or just join in the chat here and there on the whats app.
Your first session is free and the cost thereafter is a donation per session, to cover refreshments.
Get in touch on the contact page if you are interested in learning more about Safe Space meetings.
You can also join the Facebook group Samspaces - Safe Space After Cancer and my instagram @safespaces_safespaceaftercancer.
'I went along to the Samspaces meeting, was very warmly welcomed by all , and realised I was among friends who had been through similar experiences to me and come out the other side. They understood my self consciousness re my very short hair having lost it after 2nd round of my chemo and the feeling that everything felt different. Since then Sam added me to the groups WhatsApp group, a safe space to ask anything, be encouraged and rant if needed. I have also been to an Arts therapy class and a Christmas Sound bath followed by coffee & mince pies. I also went with Sam and another lady from the group to a Macmillan support day, to speak to them about what support Samspaces had meant to me, and a little about my experiences. We ended up sharing with a group of nearly a 100 people, not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed sharing my story and hearing stories from others.
That is what is so special about Samspaces, sharing in each other’s lives and sharing our stories. Especially in these strange lockdown times, I know the support is always there, at the end of the phone, WhatsApp message or zoom call x'
Sue Breast Cancer
Post Natal Doula Services
After having a baby a few months after cancer treatment and then a second and a third diagnosis with a sixteen month old and then two year old, it was important to me to offer support to any new mothers who may also be experiencing pregnancy or early motherhood after being affected in any way by cancer, as well as any mother needing that post natal help.
The similarities between recovering from childbirth and being unwell are not so different. After my daughter was born, having someone outside friends and family to physically and emotionally support me for a few hours each week, while also appreciating the far reaching side effects of cancer on breastfeeding, fatigue, anxiety and mental health, would have been game changing.
For more information about my post natal doula work and how I might be able to help, head over to MummaBaby Space website.
Macmillan Community Cancer Navigators
In 2019 I was invited to join a brilliant initiative set up by a collaboration of Macmillan, Virgin Care and the NHS. As a cancer navigator we support people living with and beyond cancer following the completion of active treatment. The support is also there for family and carers. As a group we are there to provide;
- general information to enable people to navigate the health and social care system so they can make more informed decisions.
- Signposting, advice and guidance, including self care information.
- community based initiatives to improve the wellbeing of the living with and beyond cancer community
- a program of Health and Wellbeing events in the Farnham area
The telephone number for this service is 01483 782056 (Monday to Friday between 8.30am-4.30pm)
Or email [email protected]
One to One Buddy Support
If you have found yourself struggling to adjust to life again after cancer treatment and you feel it might be helpful having a chat with someone who totally gets it and can understand, outside of family and friends, while you take your time to find your feet again, I also offer a buddy support.
Using my doula training, this service is a one off or a series of appointments and/or phone calls where I can listen and hold your space if you need to talk, empathise, signpost to local wellbeing and healthcare services and therapists, encourage self care and offer ideas and suggestions to empower and reassure you.
I charge £15 per hour online and £18 in person.
You can also pay £55 for a block of four 1hr sessions.
If this is something you might like to explore further with me, get in touch here.
Samspace Bracelets
About five years ago I collaborated with the fantastic Hanging By A Fred to offer a unique and beautiful Samspace Bracelet. Made of disused climbing rope, they are strong and hard-wearing, mirroring the strength and courage of the person wearing it. The many threads wrapped around this rope represent those of healing, recovery and resilience, hope and bravery. The special charms are a reminder that we are truly amazing, and if we believe in ourselves we will always succeed. We are never alone and are always being looked after.
They have been produced to raise the profile of After Cancer Awareness, as well as representing the unique patient-to-patient solidarity within our communities.
Freddie Matthews started designing jewellery and pieces for the home made from climbing rope after losing her father to cancer. She is a truly inspirational lady whose experience of supporting someone through cancer is phenomenal.
The bracelets cost £19.99 including post and packaging, with 10% going to the charity Climbers Against Cancer.
'Speaking to Sam has in fact inspired me to offer support to another contact who has just been diagnosed. Indeed the whole process seems more like an excellent way to make new friends than any formal support network!'
Claire Broughton, 37 Breast Cancer
Claire Broughton, 37 Breast Cancer
