A NEW support group is offering a helping hand to women dealing with life after cancer treatment.

The Snowdrop Group is aimed at women under 49 who have had initial treatment for cancer within the last couple of years and have no known secondary diseases.

It aims to support women who face complex issues such as coping with longer-term side effects of treatment, fertility issues, family concerns, self-esteem and looking to the future.

A series of 10 weekly sessions will be held at St Richard’s Hospice, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, from 7pm to 9pm on Wednesdays, starting on May 8.

Hannah Evans, a mother-of-two from Worcester, was a member of a previous group and said it was a huge help as she tried to bounce back from cancer.

“Initially I was a bit apprehensive about whether joining a support group would be me, but it was the best thing I could have done,” she said.

“Apart from the interesting talks and information we received, I met an amazing group of women who have become firm friends. They really understand what you’re going through. We have been able to help each other, moan to each other, cry with each other, but very importantly laugh together.

“When you’re going through the treatment, you’re just dealing with that, but it’s when you start to feel better that the emotional wobbles and fears can start. The Snowdrop Group helped that massively.”

Jenny Hull, the St Richard’s nurse specialist who runs the group, said: “Although the treatment is over, many women still have lots of issues to deal with and can really benefit from support from others in a similar position and from specialists.

“Some might feel they are living with the fear that their cancer will return and also the impact that their diagnosis has had on their families, their jobs and other aspects of their lives.”

The Snowdrop Group is free and open to all, not just St Richard’s clients.

For more information, call the triage nurse at St Richard’s Hospice on 01905 763963 or e-mail triage@strichards.org.uk.