Annual Report 2022-2023

SCARS Founder and Chairperson Tracy White delivered the Annual Report this year at The Annual Town Meeting in Stalbridge, held at Stalbridge Hall on Wednesday 10th May 2023.

"​Firstly, Stalbridge Cancer & Recovery Support would like to take this opportunity to thank Stalbridge Town Council for the invite to attend at this year’s Annual Town Meeting."

Tracy White has continued to work directly with Macmillan as well as having contacts within Yeovil & Dorset County Hospitals, and the Social Prescribers in Sherborne and Sturminster Newton.  This work is immensely important for all cancer patients as it has flagged up areas within the various NHS providers where important information is not necessarily being shared as it should be.  This type of work is vital to ensure continuity of care and support for all who have received a cancer diagnosis and she is immensely proud that we can be a part of this important work going forward. 

Tracy White remains committed to ensuring that all cancer patients particularly those in semi-rural locations are given the same level of care and support as those who are in larger towns and cities, this forms a great deal of the ‘behind the scenes’ work over and above the peer support.  It is vital that we continue to fundraise as this year our running costs stand at £1,500.00, these include our public liability, website hosting, the monthly hire fee for the Stalbridge drop in and our mobile phone. The accounts are audited at the end of each financial year, and these can be viewed at any time by contacting Mrs June Harman.   Any suggestions for fundraising or offers to fundraise on behalf of SCARS would be gratefully received along with offers to volunteer at the various SCARS events so do contact us via our website at www.scarscancerandrecoverysupport.co.uk. 

SHERBORNE
As many of you may remember from the Town Meeting last year, SCARS had secured a second drop-in group at The Communal Room, Manor Park, Sherborne.  Our first year has gone well and we have regular attendees, and we continue to work closely with Social Prescribers within The Grove, The Apples and Yetminster surgeries ensuring all patients with a cancer diagnosis are given our information and encouraged to consider peer support for their long-term well-being.

STALBRIDGE DROP-IN 
The growth of the Stalbridge Drop-In has remained strong with new members attending regularly.  We currently have a lovely chap who joined us in early 2022 who travels from Castle Cary each month as he feels that the peer support and friendship of the Stalbridge group has been an asset to him giving him a safe space to talk about his feelings with people who understand.  In late 2022 a member who had been with SCARS since 2014 sadly passed away which was very upsetting for all.  He was a good friend to us all as was his wife therefore it was imperative that support was offered to her to ensure that she did not feel alone at that sad time, and we continue to offer support to her.

A Holistic Fayre was held at Stalbridge Village Hall in 2022 to raise funds for the continued running of the peer support group which was a great success and was enjoyed by all.  In late November SCARS attended the Christmas event at Westlands in Yeovil selling many different Christmas items which was a huge success, so we have booked a place to attend again this year with our varied Christmas wares. 

THE BALSAM CENTRE, WINCANTON
The most exciting news to bring to the Town Meeting is the continued growth of SCARS with The Balsam Centre being the latest addition to the peer support work of SCARS.  Tracy White met with the CEO of The Balsam Centre to discuss a joint plan with them and the local medical centre to offer support to cancer patients after the previous support group had closed permanently.  It was clear from the discussions that The Balsam Centre felt there was a need for this type of support, and they felt that SCARS could offer this without the need for the Charity to secure funding as SCARS are an established group with only a requirement for a safe space to hold the drop-in meeting each month.

The first drop in is now set to take place on Friday the 9th of June between 2-4pm and the marketing of this new location will start in earnest with hopes that the local area will benefit from a safe space to come and be around like-minded people.  In time Tracy White is hopeful that this location will provide one full day per month where SCARS can provide cancer patients, survivors, family & friends with art therapy, holistic treatments and other options for relaxation, exercise and more supporting their well-being and long-term health going forward. As Tracy White is a cancer survivor herself it is her passion to ensure that all cancer patients receive the care they so desperately need, therefore the plan is to continue to work with Macmillan, local hospitals, and cancer charities to secure funding for this vital long-term plan. 

Upcoming Events

The remainder of 2023 will focus on our continued efforts to and the events we have booked are as follows:

• Sunday 14th May 2023 at Shaftesbury Town Hall we have tables selling handmade items etc.
• Saturday 8th July 2023 we are attending Marnhull Fest, and we are holding a Tombola and a Childrens Lucky Dip.
• Saturday 23rd September 2023 we are holding a ‘Brew & Bake’ in aid of Prostate Cancer at the Henstridge Village Hall between 9am – 11am where you can have a cuppa and cake with proceeds being shared between SCARS and Prostate Cancer, there will also be a Raffle with fabulous prizes to win.
• Sunday 12th November 2023 Christmas Craft Fayre @ Westlands, Yeovil.

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On Saturday 24th June 2023 Tracy White is holding an Afternoon Tea in her garden for the SCARS Committee and all those who attend the drop-in meetings as an opportunity for all to spend time together celebrating how far they have come since their diagnosis and to enjoy laughter and quality time together.  A huge ‘thank you’ goes out to Dike & Son and Making a Difference Locally for the £250 donation towards the Afternoon Tea as well as the support that has been given to us with donations that support cancer patients, survivors, family, and friends. 

SCARS would also like to offer sincere thanks to anyone who has supported in offering raffle prizes for this year’s events, your support is truly appreciated by the Committee and all those who benefit each year.

Tracy White
Founder/Chairperson
SCARS (Stalbridge Cancer & Recovery Support) 

No-one need face cancer alone. Meet other people who understand the challenges a cancer diagnosis can bring.

Find out more about our support group, allowing you to take 'Time Out' in a friendly, confidential and comfortable environment.

Are you, or someone you know living with Cancer?  SCARS is here to support anyone with a cancer diagnosis; a cancer survivor; or family or friends of someone living with cancer.

SCARS are an independent, self funding peer support group
​Call 07961 027089 (our dedicated group mobile) (Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm )