The Tea and Talk Group Making a Difference

The cancer support group Tea and Talk at Toby’s was set up in September 2016 to give people living with cancer, and their families, an opportunity to come together and find out more about services available to them. 

Here Anne Bender, who is a Trustee at Saint Francis Hospice, and one of the founders of the group, shares how Tea and Talk at Toby’s is helping people to cope with their illness.  

Ten years ago, we identified locally that a cancer support group was needed in Brentwood as there were no groups for anyone dealing with a cancer diagnosis in our community.  

Tea and Talk started in September 2016. We decided to have no borders so anyone from anywhere could come along, and we ensured it was free and easily accessible.   

We meet at the Toby Carvery in Brentwood on the first Monday of every month, from 10am to 12 noon. Parking is free and we provide tea and coffee, biscuits and cakes, as well as companionship, understanding and empathy. 

People with every kind of cancer come along and share stories with one another. It’s a survivorship group. It’s about everyone having the best life they can for as long as they can with a disease that frightens and isolates people. 

We welcome their friends, family and carers who support people living with illness too.  We want people to know they are not alone.  When they are told their treatment is finished, or they have had their scan and need to come back in two weeks for results, they often feel lost and have no one to talk to. We are there, every month to welcome, have a hug, a cup of tea and a chat. 

The group gives people an opportunity to exchange ideas about diet, sleep, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, bus routes to oncology, and get more information to help their knowledge and understanding. 

We occasionally have speakers who give general advice about wellbeing and caring for yourself while living with cancer. The topics are chosen by the attendees themselves. 

Just a friendly face makes a huge difference when you are in a dark place. 

Here is some of the feedback we’ve had from people who come along. 

• It's good to share and have a social life. I am happy to get support and more information 

• The group has given me camaraderie.  I can speak about things I am not able to speak to my family about. 

• Talking to other people who have cancer and what to expect in the future helps my husband to cope. 

• It is inspirational to meet others who are coping with their diagnosis. It gives me an incentive to get out and talk to people. I enjoy listening to the speakers and learning. 

The next meeting at Tea and Talk at Toby Carvery in Brentwood is on Monday 7th April 2025 10am ?" 12 noon.

For further information, call 01708 758649 or just turn up!

The next meeting at Tea and Talk at Toby Carvery in Brentwood is on Monday 7th April 2025 10am ?" 12 noon. For further information, call 01708 758649 or just turn up!