We often hear how this time of year can be a very difficult time for someone affected by cancer. 

It can intensify already challenging thoughts, feelings and situations which naturally come up while living with a diagnosis of cancer and its treatments.

FORCE Support Services Manager Alex Moseley and Oncology Support Specialist Emma Ellis talk openly about the ways they find to cope with stressful situations.

That might be finding the courage to say no or identifying a quiet space where you can take some time for yourself.

Maybe it's building Lego, knitting or even gargling!

It's about what works for you.

Alex and Emma have also compiled a list of organisations that may be able to offer help while our Support Centre is closed for the Christmas and New Year break.

See below for useful links, including self-help films and audio on the FORCE website.

If you or someone you are concerned about is in an emotional or mental health crisis that requires an urgent response then:

Contact the person’s GP, or the GP out of hours service or call NHS on 111.

If you have serious concerns for someone’s immediate safety then they can go to Accident and Emergency or phone the emergency services 999 for assistance.

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Open 24 hours

Telephone (free): 116 123  

Email: jo@samaritans.org

The National Suicide Prevention Helpline

https://www.spuk.org.uk/national-suicide-prevention-helpline-uk/

Tel: 0800 689 5652

6pm to 3:30am everyday

Marie Curie

https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/marie-curie-support-line/christmas

Tel: 0800 090 2309

See website for times

The Moorings

https://www.mhm.org.uk/the-moorings-devon

See website for times

SHOUT – support and confidential text service 

https://giveusashout.org/

Text SHOUT to 85258 – FREE 24 hours a day 

NHS

https://111.nhs.uk/

FORCE Cancer Charity

https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/supporting-you/mindfulness-and-relaxation/

https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/videos/

FORCE offers a range of free support for you at any stage of your cancer journey.
 If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer and you need support, advice or information, contact FORCE.

Call: 01392 406151

Email: support@forcecancercharity.co.uk

Website: https://forcecancercharity.co.uk/supporting-you/