Hello Suzanac, 

I am so sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis. It's so nice of you to be staying with her and your dad whilst working remotely - they are very lucky to have you by their side. It's also lovely that you are thinking of your mum's social wellbeing too and that you are trying to find out ways for your parents to feel less isolated and meet others also going through bowel cancer treatment. You are right it's a good idea for your mum to have an activity where she meets others affected by cancer. 

I've done a little bit of research for you and found a few interesting support groups and activities you may wish to consider looking into for your mum. There is a  bowel cancer support network which meets in Purley is also not too far from Ashford and may be worth contacting too. Another bowel cancer support group meets in Maidstone hospital a few times a year which may be worth getting in touch with as it's not very far from Ashford. Macmillan have a really useful online directory, In Your Area, of cancer support services, self-help and support groups. If you type Ashford, it will bring up all the local groups in the area which you may wish to look into. There seems to even be free yoga classes for those living with cancer in Ashford so try that Macmillan tool to help you see what is available to your mum. 

I hope this helps a little and that your mum finds local groups which will help her feel a bit better and well surrounded. It's a great initiative you have to look for such groups and I hope that you will find something that suits her. 

As well as these invaluable support groups, Cancer Chat is also always there for her if she ever needs to talk to others in a similar position and for you too of course if you need to reach out to others in a similar boat. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you so much for the resources provided! I’m going to review them right away!