Cancer Support France
Brief History of CSF (Formerly CSIPC)
Cancer Support in the Poitou-
The cancer was discovered shortly after settling in the Poitou-
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-
"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-
"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.
The group, along with other Associations, was invited to a presentation about the new Cancerology Centre scheduled for opening in 2007.
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, as well as the Curate 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.
Cancer Charities in the UK
Considerable help has been given by Macmillan/Cancerlink in the UK who continue to provide us with training courses in listening skills. In October 2002 the group began its work, and 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 Association in November of the same year.
The group is now the principal contact in France for several UK organisations.
