Head and neck cancer patient-led support group launches in Torbay

Fahida Rehman-Manby, Cancer Nurse Specialist and Sam Gregory, Head and Neck Cancer Speech and Language Therapist

Published: 14 March 2022

People who are living with, and beyond, head and neck cancer are now able to benefit from a patient-led support group which has been set up in Torbay thanks to the dedication and perseverance of our cancer support team in head and neck cancer.

The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group has been running monthly patient-led support groups since 2012 but until the Torbay group was launched last month, there was no group in the south west.

Fahida Rehman-Manby, Cancer Nurse Specialist, said: “Many of our patients benefit from the 24-hour helpline run by the Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group and we were keen to seize the opportunity to work with them to bring face-to-face, patient-led support here to Torbay. While our original plans were delayed by the pandemic, we are thrilled to finally be able to offer this additional support to our patients.”

Fahida has worked closely with Head and Neck Cancer Speech and Language Therapist, Sam Gregory who added: “As a clinical team we try our best to support our patients through their treatment but there’s nothing better than meeting someone who’s lived it and can share their experience with you. Patient-led support groups are a safe space for people to share their coping strategies and techniques as well as sharing personal experiences and feelings. After the first meeting we received twelve phone calls from patients who attended saying how useful they had found it. We’re looking forward to seeing the group grow and develop.”

Liz Davenport, Chief Executive, attended the launch of the group last month and said: “I am delighted to welcome The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group to Torbay. Our focus is always on what matters to the people we care for and doing everything we can to support person-led care.”

The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Kingskerswell community centre from 6.45pm. You can contact the group through their page on Facebook.

To find out more watch: Torbay Patient & Caregiver Support Group Launch 2022 on YouTube.