A well being event is set to raise greater awareness of the support that is available after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Organised by Croydon Social P, the free event is the inspiration of Cheryl Johnson, whose own diagnoses opened her eyes to the need for greater awareness of the support that is currently available.

Billed as Cancer Wellbeing – living the best life you possibly can in the world of cancer, the informative event takes place on Saturday April 13 from 1.30pm-4pm at St Paul’s Church.

It will include talks and workshop looking at living well with cancer and include sessions on  mindfulness, art and a demo on healthy eating from local chef Courtney Bogle,  along with pampering time. Look Good Feel Better provides free workshops to cancer patients in skin care and makeovers for men and women. 

Local practitioner Peter Lawrence will be leading the Mindfulness sessions and professional art therapists will be sharing ideas for using art for well being.

There will also be stalls with information from unique cancer organisations we don’t often hear about such as Croydon cancer charity – the Duffus Cancer Foundation, Penny Brohn and Yoursim Pal along with more mainstream charities.

Cheryl, from Thornton Heath, said: “All of these charities provide free services but we are not currently signposted to them. 

I had to find these services to help myself in the middle of a Cancer diagnosis, now I want to share with others in Thornton Heath.  The cause is very dear to my heart.”

The Duffus Cancer Foundation provides support for children and young people who have been affected by cancer. Yoursim Pal provides free sim cards and recycled mobiles to cancer patients in need.

Penny Brohn UK offers a free retreat centre for cancer patients and families providing therapy, support and living well courses.

Other stalls will feature Macmillan Cancer Support which raises awareness of cancer and the support which is available on a national level to cancer patients and their loved ones; Croydon Central Library and Lush Croydon offering handmade cosmetics and fragrances.

Cheryl added: “The purpose of the event is to raise greater awareness through Social Prescribing of the support that currently exists in Croydon for people living with or supporting someone with cancer. This was driven by my own experience where I felt isolated and scared of my diagnosis until I made the decision to seek support. Hopefully an event such as this will help to highlight that supporting wellbeing during cancer, is just as important as the diagnosis and treatment too.”

There will be goodie bags for all attendees and free refreshments.

Talks take place between 1.30pm and 2pm with workshops  on a 30 minute rotation between 2pm to 4pm.

All are welcome to attend the event to listen to the talks and browse the stalls. Participants need to register for workshops as numbers are limited. To book a place contact: 07494 177696 or cheryljohnson@croydonsocialp.com