SCARS was set up by Tracy White in 2014 after her cancer diagnosis to offer support to other cancer patients, survivors as well as family & friends.

SCARS run two peer support groups in the South Somerset/North Dorset area:

• On the last Monday of the month at the The Annexe, Stalbridge Village Hall, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2NF, from 2pm – 4pm
• On the second Monday of the month at The Balsam Centre, Wincanton, BA9 9HB, from 2pm – 4pm

The groups are confidential, non judgemental, free to attend and are open to all cancer patients. It’s an informal drop in where you can feel safe and supported by like minded people.

SCARS looks forward to welcoming you, and are happy to be contacted if you have any further questions.

For more information, please visit their website.

If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with cancer, we’re here to help. Find out how we support you and get information about different cancer types.

Matt’s Respite Retreats is a service providing complimentary breaks for those affected by cancer within Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset. We support those who have been diagnosed with cancer and are undergoing treatment or have received treatment within the last six months or the beneficiary is terminally ill with cancer.

We have the use of a two bedroom static caravan which can sleep up to six (including a pull out double bed in the lounge). The caravan has two bedrooms consisting of a double with En-suite bathroom and a twin room with a bathroom across the hallway.

We offer a three or four-night stay (Mon-Fri or Fri-Mon). Passes for the pools and entertainment complex are being very generously given free of charge by Haven. 

Please visit our website or contact us for a Nomination form or for further information.

Facebook: @Mattsrespiteretreats

Specialist advice on benefits, grants, finances, debt and employment (and any other issues) for people living with cancer and their families. Appointments and telephone appointments are easily and quickly available.

Somerset Prostate Support Association (SPSA) was established in 2003 and provides a much-needed source of help and support for Somerset men diagnosed with prostate problems (including prostate cancer), and their families.

Today the SPSA’s primary activities include presentations to raise awareness of prostate cancer and a programme of free discrete Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood testing events throughout Somerset. The emphasis is on identifying raised PSA levels as soon as possible, and the importance of early detection of prostate problems.

It is important for men to be aware of symptoms associated with prostate cancer and understand that they may have prostate cancer but remain asymptomatic (ie no obvious symptoms) hence the PSA blood test. Early detection is vital for early intervention, leading to a positive outcome. PSA tests identify that there is a prostate problem, not that cancer is present. The identified problem needs further investigation to establish the presence of cancer and provide appropriate treatment interventions.

SPSA is a registered charity that is run entirely by volunteers, many with personal experience of prostate cancer and the effect it has on their lives and that of their families.

To find out more or to make a donation, please visit our website.

A self help group for people with bowel cancer, their families and carers.

We provide specialist services for adults experiencing longstanding fatigue that is having a significant impact on daily functioning and activities including employment/work.

There are three strands to our Service which provide fatigue and lifestyle management for viral fatigue/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME; cancer related fatigue living with and beyond cancer (Macmillan Step Up Service) and long term conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.

For referral advice or for further information, please contact our team or visit our website.

CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. We provide clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. We are there from diagnosis onwards and aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.

Revitalise promotes Somerset based physical activity sessions which are delivered by qualified staff making them particularly suitable for those living with cancer and beyond. They are open to anyone so you can also go along with friends or family.

Being active has a significant impact on wellbeing when living with cancer. It can prevent and manage some effects of treatment. It helps you take back some control of your life.

Provides free, professional counselling to anyone affected or bereaved by cancer or other life-threatening illness.

A place to make, mend and grow in rural Somerset. Located on Spring Farm in Ash there is now a craft cabin with the aim to build an adjoining wooden workshop canopy. There is also a growing vegetable plot and a few animals to care for.

In time the team want to open up the facilities to all sorts of people, young and old to come to make, mend and grow things together. Learn new skills as well as make beautiful or useful things.

The team of volunteers would also like to provide people with the opportunity to learn about and grow in the Christian faith which is their strong foundation and motivation.

Exercise and information during and after your cancer treatment at Yeovil District Hospital.