Complementary Therapies for People in Berkshire Living with Cancer

This month, we met with Sally Radford who is a volunteer for the charity My Cancer My Choices. The charity provides a wide range of complementary therapies for people with Cancer and who recently have been given the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Sally has been volunteering with My Cancer My Choices for 5 years. Prior to that, she ran her own complementary therapy business in Maidenhead. The charity’s main office and therapy rooms are located in Charvil, just outside Twyford. Additionally, they have treatment rooms in Newbury, Reading, and Bracknell. Their services are available to anyone living in Berkshire or undergoing treatment for cancer.

According to Sally, My Cancer My Choices provides support, respite, and assistance for those diagnosed with cancer.

Every therapist working for the charity offers their services free of charge, dedicating, for example, a morning every fortnight to the charity and its patients. Clients are entitled to 6 free treatments in the therapy they believe will benefit them the most. While these treatments are free, the charity welcomes donations of any size.

The 6 free treatments, typically taken on a weekly basis, aim to improve the patient’s well-being, provide physical relaxation, and offer a safe space for individuals to speak with team members who understand their situation. Sally emphasizes that people undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy often experience side effects such as hot flushes, fatigue, insomnia, and nausea, so the treatments aim to alleviate these symptoms. Cancer can also cause tension and anxiety, making it crucial for individuals to focus on their physical and mental well-being, which is the goal of My Cancer My Choices.

Most therapies are in person on a one-to-one basis, however there are a few (e.g., mindfulness), that can take place online. Therapies include;

• Acupuncture/Acupressure (one of the most popular treatments)
• Massage (oncology massage working on the lymphatic system and scar tissue massage)
• Reflexology (pressure applied to hands and feet)
• Mindfulness (teaching the mind to be more peaceful therefore encouraging relaxation)
• Yoga (postures to aid relaxation and coping with stress)
• Reiki (energy vibration to promote wellbeing and healing)
• Art Therapy (using art to explore feelings and worries)

Most of us have been impacted by cancer, either personally or through our loved ones. We, at Home Instead, understand the importance of receiving compassionate support, both physically and emotionally.

Home Instead has been providing assistance to people undergoing cancer treatment for 12 years in Berkshire and South Oxfordshire. Our team of Care Professionals can accompany individuals to therapy sessions or appointments and help with daily chores that may become challenging during treatment. This includes preparing meals, making beds, and taking care of laundry and ironing. We also offer support for tasks such as showering or bathing. We can even support people overnight if they need it. Our care is available for people of all ages and for any duration, and we strive to build trusting relationships with our clients by providing consistent care. We have an amazing team and they are on had to offer companionship during these often tough times.

Above all, with support from our team at Home Instead and volunteers at charities such as My Cancer My Choices, those living with cancer know there is caring support available to them during a physically and emotionally stressful time.

If you would like to find out more about My Cancer My Choices, go to https://mycancermychoices.org/