Cancer support coffee mornings at Basingstoke Aquadrome
We have launched a free monthly coffee morning for people affected by cancer. The sessions provide a supportive environment, where attendees can share experiences and build relationships.
Whether someone is on the cancer referral programme at the centre, supporting a loved one or interested in learning more about the available support, the sessions are open to all, and free to attend.
Aaron Boyd, Community Development Lead runs cancer rehabilitation sessions in our gym and came up with the initiative. He said:
“In my sessions, I often meet patients going through similar experiences, but they don’t know each other. Because of confidentiality, I can’t introduce them directly, so I created a space where connections can happen naturally.
“Some people come for advice; others just want to be with people who ‘get it’. It’s really about connection! The coffee mornings are designed to be a friendly and relaxed space to enjoy a hot drink, meet others who understand and feel less alone.”
Caroline, who attended the first coffee morning, said:
"What a great first get together that Aaron organised for us and there's more to come! As a gym member and a cancer survivor, these monthly meetings are an extra support whereby we can have easy chats over a cuppa, in a very relaxed atmosphere. Thank you for providing this resource."
Abi, also attended the coffee morning, she said:
“Lovely opportunity to meet others going through cancer with a shared interest in exercise. A chance to swap stories on which classes we enjoy - and which are not for us!"