A NEW service supporting people who are facing cancer is due to be launched next month.

Cumbria CVS is to start running its Cancer Chat Drop-in - Living with and Beyond Cancer at Whitehaven Library on March 31.

A spokesman for the organisation said: "The Cancer Chat Drop-in brings people together in a friendly and informal way, encouraging a feeling of commonality and allowing people to speak freely about their experiences.

"Having a diagnosis of cancer can be devastating, isolating, stressful and terrifying but getting together with others who are facing similar problems can really help.

"Being part of a group can create a sense of belonging that helps people feel more understood and less alone.

"Meeting for coffee and a chat brings with it an element of normality at a time when normal feels quite distant.

"We know from research and by listening to people who have cancer that thousands of people feel isolated from family and friends.

"Some people are too proud to ask for help, others don’t want to worry those close to them, some have families who live a distance away and some just don’t know where to turn for help."

The drop-in will be held on the last Tuesday of every month between 11am and 12noon, starting from March 31.

For more information contact Jane Macfarlane on 01768 800350 or email: janem@cumbriacvs.org.uk