Cancer Café
Vision Statement
We will provide a psychologically safe, supportive, and informative environment for staff who are either living and working with a diagnosis of cancer, or those staff who are helping to care for and support close family members with a cancer diagnosis. This will take place in an area where people can share stories, learn from, and support each other. Facilitated by trust staff from various backgrounds who have expert experience to facilitate such a psychologically safe environment. There will also be the opportunity to signpost for ongoing information and support where it is requested.
What is the cancer cafe?
This is an informal meeting space for you to speak to people in a similar position and to be signposted to relevant support. Come and have a cuppa and a biscuit with us!
This is not an environment in which you will be given clinical advice - you will be advised to contact your clinical team for these queries
Who can attend?
Anybody who is employed by the trust who's life has been touched by cancer. This includes staff who may be undergoing treatment, their friends and colleagues and their managers who may benefit from additional support
Dates of Cancer Cafes 2025
A cancer cafe will be held each month, rotating through the 3 main sites:
14th January 9-12 Aintree site, Clinical Education Building (back of site, near Zest)
18th February 9-12 Broadgreen site, Kent Lodge Education Centre
11th March 930-12 Royal site, Conference centre 9th Floor Main Hospital
8th April 1-330 Aintree site, Clinical Education Building (back of site, near Zest)
8th May 9-12 Broadgreen site, Kent Lodge Education Centre
2nd June 9-12 Royal site, Conference Centre 9th floor Main Hospital
Cancer of the month:
The month of May is Skin Cancer & Bladder Cancer awareness month.
Skin cancers can look very different and the symptoms can vary. Some of the symptoms are similar to other conditions.
Common symptoms of skin cancer include a sore or area of skin that:
· doesn't heal within 4 weeks
· looks unusual
· hurts, is itchy, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than 4 weeks
There are several types of cancer that may start in the skin. They can be split into 2 groups depending on the cell they develop from:
· melanoma
· non-melanoma, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Melanoma is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for around 4% of all new cancer cases – with analysis by Cancer Research UK showing cases had risen by a third between 2009-2019. To find out more and look at the FAQ please clinic the link https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/skin-cancer
If you are concerned, you should speak to your GP about it and they can refer you to a dermatologist if appropriate.
Ways to look after yourself in the sun to help prevent skin cancer
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Bladder cancer awareness- Mark there is a video that’s on Youtube I cant copy the link (its in the Bladder cancer awareness get involved section) can you have a look?? https://
Around 20,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer each year in the UK, with the most recent statistic showing just over 19,000 patients were diagnosed last year.
Blood in the urine is the most important warning sign of bladder cancer to watch out for.
https://
Mark- again the spot the drop takes you to a game but I cant copy the link and make it work- can you see if you can do something with it? – From same website worldbladdercancer- we are happy if you chose to use which you prefer.
This year, the interactive online game “Spot the Drop!” remains a central feature of the campaign. Connecting the discovery of blood in the urine to taking action, the game challenges players’ reaction times while reinforcing the importance of early detection. We invite you to play the game, share it with your community, and help spread awareness about the importance of early detection.
Support for Staff:
Staff guidance for returning to work after cancer
Managers guidance for supporting staff with cancer
Spiritual and Cultural Support
Macmillan Information and Support Centers
Liverpool University Hospital Foundation Trust
Aintree 0151 529 4742
Royal 0151 7063720
Email: macinfo
Who might I meet at the Cancer Cafe - our bios
Rachel - Macmillan Therapist:
I am Rachel, a dedicated acupuncturist, clinical reflexologist and oncology scar therapist with over three years of volunteer experience in the Royal’s Wellbeing Centre. I am passionate about supporting both patients and staff, and find joy in seeing how even a single hour of care can leave people feeling happier and more balanced.
I am driven to fostering a supportive community for healthcare staff navigating the challenges of cancer — whether personally or while caring for a loved one. We are committed to providing the same empathy and encouragement we offer our patients because those who care for others deserve care too.
At the Cancer Café, I also lead sessions where participants can blend their own aromatherapy-smelling sticks and learn techniques to lower stress and anxiety. These practices provide a calming and therapeutic experience, helping to create a sense of peace for everyone involved. We offer a listening ear, helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, and signpost them for referrals to the Wellbeing Service when needed.
Kelly - Patient Representative:
My name is Kelly, and I am the Education Services Manager for LUHFT. I’m a registered nurse of almost 30 years with a passion for making a difference for our staff and patients.
At the start of 2023 I was given a palliative cancer diagnosis. Staying in work was important to me as it gave me a purpose and an ability to keep a “normal” life. Navigating the early days was really difficult, however the support of my colleagues was invaluable to me.
If I can take anything from this part of my life, it would be to share my lived experience as a patient ambassador and representative to help the trust support others in a similar position, whether that is to remain in work or not.
At the cancer café I’m happy to share my experiences and resources I’ve found useful, or simply to listen and be able to understand how difficult this can be for us.
Macmillan Team:
Cancer Wellbeing Service.
The Cancer Wellbeing Service is here to support people affected by cancer. We offer a range of therapies to help with relaxation and wellbeing, including massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, and mindfulness. These therapies can help with stress, anxiety, fatigue, and some side effects of treatment.
We also provide emotional support, self-care advice, and guidance on managing the physical and emotional challenges of cancer. Our team works closely with other healthcare professionals to make sure you get the right support when you need it.
Whether you need help to relax, talk about how you’re feeling, or find ways to improve your wellbeing, we are here for you and your loved ones at every stage of your cancer experience
Macmillan Cancer Support Service - UHLG
The Macmillan Cancer Support Service at UHLG offers expert guidance, emotional support, and practical assistance to anybody affected by cancer. Our dedicated team provides specialist advice on living with a cancer diagnosis, financial concerns, employment issues, navigating the benefits system, and end-of-life planning. We also facilitate access to support groups, information about local and national services and organisations and deliver a self management 6-week course to enhance your resilience through difficult times. Through robust collaborative working with cancer nurse specialists, multidisciplinary teams, and partnering Trusts, we ensure a seamless, person-centred approach that integrates clinical care with comprehensive, holistic support throughout the cancer experience from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.