New cancer support group for men launched in Enfield

It has been created in recognition that men can sometimes find it difficult to talk openly about their feelings

Some men sat around a table — credit Nightingale

An Enfield cancer charity has launched a new support group for men.

Nightingale Cancer Support Centre’s new group, Just Us Men, has been created in recognition that men can sometimes find it difficult to talk openly about their feelings, concerns and experiences following a cancer diagnosis.

The group aims to provide an opportunity for men to come together without any judgement or stigma attached to emotional sharing. It is open to men who have been diagnosed with cancer and offers a relaxed environment where there is no expectation to talk or share personal experiences.

It will be facilitated by one of Nightingale’s counsellors, Steve Abbott, who has become increasingly aware of the importance of supporting men’s mental health and wanted to help create a dedicated space where men affected by cancer could feel comfortable being themselves.

Steve said: “For many men, speaking about how you are truly feeling can be difficult, especially if you have been diagnosed with a serious illness or condition. After a cancer diagnosis we hear many people say that they feel isolated and on their own.”

“Common thoughts that arise are; ‘what will the future hold for me?’, ‘how will I provide for my family?’ or ‘how will my friends and family react to my situation?’

“This group’s aim is to combat those feelings of isolation, loneliness and anxiety and offer solace and comfort in a time of great difficulty. We want men to come along and be themselves, share their experiences or if they want to just sit and listen, that is fine.

“It won’t all be serious, we’re bound to have a few laughs along the way as we shape and tailor this group to what men actually need.”

Nightingale Cancer Support Centre is Enfield’s only dedicated cancer support charity, providing free support to people affected by cancer, as well as their families and loved ones.

The new men’s group builds on this support. Fiona Connell, the Nightingale’s head of services, explained: “Though we have seen our male client numbers increase by 19% over the last three years, we know there is still a big discrepancy between men and women accessing support during their cancer journey.

“Cancer is indiscriminate with incidence rates roughly split evenly between the two sexes and yet just over 20% of the Nightingale’s clients are male.

“It is important that our services reflect the needs of the people we support. By creating a new group, focusing on men and their support needs, we hope to bridge the cancer care gap for men.”

For more information about the men’s cancer support group:
Visit nightingalesupport.org.uk/mens-cancer-group/

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

ACT NOW!

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.