The Cove in Truro has been open for two years

Since opening in November 2016 The Cove has gone from strength to strength supporting approximately 27,700 local cancer patients, families and carers with over 15,200 people coming through the doors in the last year alone.

The support services available at The Cove have also grown since it opened with the addition of a physiotherapy service, led by Macmillan Physiotherapist Mark McCaffrey, which helps people to return to physical activity, build confidence, manage side effects and support their recovery.

The clinical psychology and counselling service, led by Macmillan Clinical Psychologist Dr Louise Brown offering psychological and emotional support to people going through cancer, has been increased with an additional part-time counsellor to help meet demand. Both of these services are offered by appointment with a professional referral.

Currently there are a team of nine staff (eight of which are funded by Macmillan) and over 30 volunteers who work at The Cove with Kathryn Radcliffe, Macmillan Centre Manager who has managed the Cove since it opened.

Kathryn said: “I am so proud to see how The Cove has developed over the last two years of supporting local people living with cancer. The recent addition of ‘taster sessions’ for patients and carers have proved really popular and very beneficial, including yoga, tai chi and relaxation. The team I work with and our amazing volunteers do a fantastic job supporting patients and their families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that has volunteered and supported us over the last two years; it would not have been possible without them.”

Madeleine Spink, from Truro, who cared for her husband Patrick when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, explained how The Cove helped her.

“While Patrick was ill I had to keep everything together which meant, inevitably, that when Patrick was given the all clear I fell apart. I found the Cove Macmillan Support Centre invaluable," she said.

"I was able to just walk in and talk to a lovely lady, have a good cry and a giggle. We spoke for about an hour, then I went next door and spoke to the dietician who gave me some really practical advice as well. They were amazing and at a time when I didn’t know who to turn to or what to do with myself.”

The Cove Macmillan Support Centre was funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and is run by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust. It supports anyone affected by cancer living in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. People living with cancer, their families and carers can visit the Centre to browse the range of information booklets, ask the friendly team for advice, locate a local support group and access benefits or dietetic advice.

There are also dietetic clinics, Look Good Feel Better makeovers for men and women, wig services and psychology, counselling and physiotherapy support by referral. Facilities include a café, relaxed lounge area and a room and facilities for teenage and young adults affected by cancer.

Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust Director of Cancer Services, Dr Bryson Pottinger added “It is an amazing place offering vital support to our patients and their families as they go through cancer treatment. Alongside our world-class cancer services, the services the team offer will undoubtedly have played a part in the recent positive National Cancer Patient Experience Survey results here at the Trust. The Cove has become a fundamental part of our cancer services and I congratulate them on their anniversary.”

The Cove Macmillan Support Centre is located at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Treliske, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3LJ. It is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4.30pm. For more information please contact the team on 01872 25 6363, email thecove@nhs.net or search The Cove at www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk . If you have questions about cancer, or to find out how you can support Macmillan, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 0000.