SCARS

BEGINNINGS

Stalbridge Cancer and Recovery Support (SCARS) was founded in 2014 by Tracy White who, having been through the difficulties of cancer diagnosis and treatment, found that there was no local support for those who were going through the same.

Tracy's vision was that the group would be an informal and kind place where participants would feel relaxed and at peace.​
Picture
SCARS founder Tracy White, pictured in 2014 at the launch event of her vision for friendly and caring cancer support in North Dorset
SCARS

MEETINGS

A Warm Welcome Awaits you in Stalbridge. ​ Our Drop ins take place every month from 2pm to 4pm​
SCARS

CAN HELP YOU

Are you, or someone you know living with Cancer?
SCARS is here to help you​​
SCARS

USEFUL LINKS

Find useful information, support and advice on different types of cancer by visiting our useful links page

Some of the nice things people say about SCARS

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I first met Tracy at a McMillan coffee morning in Sherborne, Tracy was there to introduce and talk about a collaboration between Scars and Sherborne Surgery. This was the first time I had ventured into this environment. I was very nervous and in a fragile state after losing my husband to cancer a few months earlier. Although this wasn’t in Tracy’s remit on the day she took time to talk to me.  I found Tracy so comforting and sensitive. I found I was sharing a great deal of personal feelings, concerns and apprehensions.
Tracy is compassionate, friendly, caring and an excellent listener-  after 30 minutes I felt relieved, less emotional and I had found a new friend.
I have since visited the Scars monthly meeting which is informal coffee and cake, lovely ladies and visitors can share as little or as much information as they wish. Every person there has been affected in 1 or another aspect of this horrendous disease so they fully understand individual feelings and concerns.
It is the perfect place to share your feelings in a safe environment.

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June Harman
I have been a member of SCARS since it began in 2014. Although, I have not had cancer, my father died of prostate cancer some years ago, so have been affected by what he went through. SCARS has helped many cancer patients, their family and friends in many ways, both practical and emotional. I wish it had been around when my Dad was ill, long may it continue.

It is also my pleasure to be the Treasurer for SCARS working to support Tracy and the committee since its inception in 2014.

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Lyn Robinson

I first attended a SCARS group meeting in 2016 after a breast cancer diagnosis and over the past 7 years have been so glad I made that decision. SCARS has given me so much support  when I was feeling very anxious and the meetings are a chance to discuss and share worries in a caring and confidential environment. I cannot thank Tracy and all the members of the group enough and am proud to say I am now the SCARS Secretary working to support the committee and the vital work going forward.

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For the last 8 months I have, with my family & friends been fighting cancer. As many of you will know or can imagine this is both a physical and emotional rollercoaster.
This afternoon I went to the SCARS group held in the Hub for the 1st time. I cannot find enough words to explain how thankful and lucky I am feeling right now.
To sit in such a relaxed and welcoming environment with people who have experienced the pain, fear, treatment, desperation and hope that is faced by those with or the family or friends of those with cancer was so powerful.
We are so lucky to have such a supportive group in our very own community. This group should & must be treasured and supported by everyone in our community.
Sadly, no one knows when you may need that ear or shoulder.
Thank you SCARS x

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Sandra Pearson

I joined SCARS in 2021,  after  coming through my second diagnosis of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma.  At the time I was struggling a bit with adjusting to life after treatment and feeling isolated, as my diagnosis and treatment coincided with Covid and lockdown. SCARS gave my an outlet where I could meet people with similar experiences,  who would understand how I felt and what I had gone through. Meetings are lively and supportive. Sometimes laughing together, sometimes just having a quiet chat or hug. I  look after the social media for SCARS, principally a daily posting on the Facebook page. Many thanks to everyone for your welcome and ongoing support.

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We Are Proud of our relationship with
We Are Proud of our relationship with

Service Finder

"CAN (Community Action Network) and NHS Dorset are working collaboratively with local organisations to collect accurate and up to date information about the fantastic services which are on offer in Dorset.
Here is a button (below) to view our entry on this great service finder
We Are Proud of our relationship with
Something to look forward to is a charity website supporting people with cancer, their families and carers, to access a variety of ‘gifts’ and ‘experiences’ generously donated by people and companies. Andy and Fiona Coldron started the charity in 2015. Despite the pandemic the charity has now established a nationwide service for distributing their gifts and experiences and invites applications to benefit from these on their website.
We Are Proud of our relationship with
Our aim is to provide a short stay break of three or four nights to those affected by cancer. A chance to get away from it all and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Matt’s Respite Retreats have the use of a two bedroom static caravan in Weymouth, Dorset, which can sleep up to six (including a pull out double bed in the lounge). The caravan has two bedrooms consisting of a double with En-suite bathroom and a twin room with a bathroom across the hallway.

How do I access your service?

Please visit Matt’s Respite Retreats website for more information and a nomination form. The person nominating must be either a Medical Professional e.g. a Doctor or Occupational Therapist with appropriate seniority in the organisation or with appropriate seniority within a relevant Charity who deals with Beneficiaries affected by cancer.

We are proud of our relationship with

North Dorset Prostate Cancer Support Group was started with the belief that every single one of us is resilient, and that our resilience can be fostered with the help and support of a community. Our members provide the place and space for personal growth, self-reflection, learning, and bonding. We invite you to find out more information and hope you will join us. 
The group meets on the last Friday of each month (excluding December) at the Waitrose Cafe, Le Neubourg Way, Gillingham SP8 4UA at 7pm on the last Friday of each month.