2009 during which an extensive guided tour enabled us to see the fruition of this planning. It was gratifying to be welcomed by name, and to have the opportunity to speak to the head nurse and the director of the new ERI centre. Our involvement is clearly valued.
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History of CSF
Brief History of CSF (Formerly CSIPC)
Cancer Support in the Poitou-Charentes was formed in October 2002 following the experience of breast cancer and its treatment of its founder Linda Shepherd. The cancer was discovered shortly after settling in the Poitou-Charentes.
Radiotherapy proved to be the most difficult period, and during a psychologically disturbed time, Linda realised how fortunate she was to be able to speak some French as the only support services available to her were in French.
She recognised the additional stress placed on a patient who has no or very limited French skills on top of a potentially life-threatening disease, and decided to explore the possibilities of creating a support group.
"I handled the initial surgery quite well, but I had a very difficult time during my subsequent treatment. Fortunately my specialists recognised psychological reactions, and made sure I had the support I needed. It was a good job I could speak some French, as a lot of consultations and all my emotional care had to be given in French. This made me think how lucky I was and how difficult it must be for someone to cope in a similar situation but without the language."
After considerable research, it became clear that nothing of this nature was available for English-speaking people.
"Discussions with my doctor, radiotherapist and psychologists revealed a need for the kind of support I began to feel I wanted to offer and so the vision for the group evolved."
After speaking to her own G.P. and cancer specialists their support for such a group to be created was evident.
Support from CHU Poitiers
In December 2002 Professor Daban, the head of the Radiotherapy Department at CHU Poitiers, gave Linda an hour of his precious time to discuss the vision, the group's membership and its aims and objectives. The meeting ended with the promise of practical support. This promise has been fulfilled in many ways, culminating in 2008 when Professeur Daban agreed to become Patron of the association.
Cancer Charities in the UK
Considerable help was given by Macmillan/Cancerlink in the UK who provided us with our initial training courses in listening skills. Their regular visits to France stopped in 2007, but CSF is listed in their overseas directory. We are also the principal contact in France for several other UK organisations.
Skilled Members
When the idea for the group was floated, people with a variety of skills came forward. Retired doctors, linguists, English qualified complimentary therapy practitioners, counsellors, an English nurse working in a local hospital and an experienced Physiotherapist Assistant.
Within the team there are also Lay Ministers, who have knowledge and skills in bereavement issues, as well as the practicality of organising funerals in France. Consequently those who specifically ask for spiritual help in preparing for death, or other faith issues can be helped by people with the necessary skills, The group however is not part of the Chaplaincy, and it includes (and is open to) people of different faiths or none.
The group began its work in October 2002. In September 2003 the Statutes needed to form a legal association according to the Law of 1901 were submitted. The association was published in the Journal of Associations in November of the same year.
The group, along with other associations, was invited to a presentation about the new Cancerology Centre scheduled for opening in 2007 and has been regularly involved in the subsequent discussions. A special visit was organised for associations on 21st February
