MelaNoMore launched 27th September 2019
The Group has formed from a discussion between the care professionals and patients at St Luke’s Cancer Centre, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey.
It took 9 months to identify the requirements and deliverablies of a melanoma support group, which are reflected in Our Aims.
Our Aims:
We want to provide a safe place for people to help each other who have Melanoma, and to include family members and friends.
- We hold group meeting of various types on a regular basis
- We hold education days twice a year with a number of speakers talking on topics relevant to the Group members
- We provide information through this website and our facebook page
- We will set up a Buddy System during 2020
The opening meeting was a Wellness Day with five speakers taking about different aspects of Melanoma care and treatment, followed by the launch of MelaNoMore.
Adela Hug, Dietician opened the morning sessions with a very lively session on “Do’s and Don’ts” of eating with cancer. A lot of laughter and some very helpful advice was given.
This was followed by Anne Pike from The Fountain Centre to tell members about the many and varied services the Centre provides at St Luke’s. The range from advice, counselling to acupuncture and massage The Fountain Centre is a well kept secret and we need to get the Centre’s scope better known to patients n families.
The session was completed by Simon Rodwell, Chief Executive of Melanoma Focus. The charity he set up after his wife’s death ten years ago has developed into a very valuable advice for patients. Contact details are given on this website for making contact.
After a very enjoyable lunch, accompanied by music played by Nigel Price & Mike Nichols
In the afternoon we launched MelaNoMore. The meeting concentrated on what those present might want to be provided. There was general support from the meeting that MelaNoMore would be helpful. Suggestions for activities included regular coffee mornings for people to meet and chat.
An outdoor cinema evening for a fundraiser
regular education days of the type organised on the day and more frequently than once a year, and regular updates on the website.
The meeting was helpful in giving information and gaining support for MelaNoMore
We have decided to progress the development of the Group from here.
Items have been reported in the local press and on the Royal Surrey Trust website, and through Macmillan.
MelaNoMore is for you so if you have ideas or thinks there is something you need let us know and we will try to meet them if we can.
We also need help on the Committee which steers the Group and you are welcome to join.
Talk More
Through social & virtual events, such as our Wellbeing Webinars, where everyone can meet, chat and seek advice. We have now returned to "real" social gatherings.
Click here for ~ Newsletters
Learn More
As well as running educational events, we have a website where lots of information about Melanoma, will be easily accessible and pooled into one simple point of access.
Click here for ~ Useful Contacts
Support More
We have set up the MelaNoMore Buddies, who team up on a one-to-one basis with Friends going through similar experiences, providing friendship and a listening ear.