New beginnings

Tracy White founded SCARS in 2014 having survived cancer herself and found that beyond the treatment and final hospital visits sufferers were often left feeling anxious and needing someone to talk to about their ongoing worries and problems.  Since then the SCARS has been meeting monthly in Stalbridge and visitors are offered a friendly, confidential and comfortable environment to take ‘time out’ and relax over a cuppa (and of course cake or biscuits!). SCARS not only welcomes current cancer patients or those who have recovered from cancer but also their family and friends who may find they also need support to come to terms with the life-changing effects of a cancer diagnosis on their loved ones and themselves.

SCARS is a self-funding, peer support Group who generate income through fundraising events throughout the year as well as being very fortunate to get some financial donations from other sources.  All income generated by fundraising or donated to SCARS are fully accounted for by our Treasurer and a yearly audit is undertaken at the end of our financial year on the 31st August.  Whilst SCARS are not a Charity we hold a yearly AGM in September to discuss the past year and how we feel we can improve on the services we offer and this is an excellent opportunity for all visitors to discuss matters they feel are important to them.  The funds as well as being used to run SCARS including Public Liability Insurance, Marketing etc can also allow for a small financial grant should anyone have a need to help cover travel for treatment or to aid them to attend for holistic/mindfulness treatments whilst undergoing their main cancer treatment which can be a huge benefit when treatment feels never ending.

Of course 2021 has been a very difficult year for everyone and SCARS is no exception but we feel immensely fortunate to have received a couple of donations from local supermarkets which has made life just a little easier and allowed SCARS to support members with a Zoom meeting each month.  Now that life is returning slowly to some semblance of normality SCARS are returning to our face to face monthly drop ins at The Annex, Stalbridge Village Hall, Lower Road, Stalbridge with our first get together, which took place on Monday 28th February between 2-4pm.  If you feel you could benefit from support amongst likeminded friends then do come along and see what we are about, don’t be shy as we are all very friendly and most importantly appreciate life and like to have fun as well!

Moving forward SCARS are back with a renewed energy, brand new website, new ideas and plans and you could be someone who could help us bring back some positivity and joy after such difficult and trying times.  If you feel you have something to offer and would like to become part of the SCARS Committee/Volunteers then we would love to welcome you along. We always have a need for volunteers to help run our local fundraising events and if you have an interest in websites and are computer savvy then we are looking for a volunteer who could take on the role (with training) of the day to day updating/maintenance of our website.  Could you be that person we are looking for, if so please do not hesitate to contact us for a chat. 

All roles are purely voluntary and SCARS would fully appreciate any amount of time you feel you could offer. 

Please contact us at contact.scars@gmail.com or by telephoning SCARS on 07961 027089.  

No-one should fight cancer alone and at SCARS we can and will find the strength to face the future together.

Best wishes
Lyn Robinson
SCARS (Stalbridge Cancer & Recovery Support)