Support in the ANCHOR Unit
Read more about our complementary services and meet the faces of our wellbeing team who are on hand to support you or a loved one.
Wellbeing support service
Our wellbeing support team, based in the ANCHOR Unit, offers practical and emotional support.
Head of Wellbeing Vicki Youngson, Wellbeing Coordinator Paula and Wellbeing Support Worker Lisa are on hand to provide non-clinical support in whatever way they can, including:- A listening ear to support you emotionally through your treatment
- Advising on support from the wealth of third-sector and community organisations available locally
- Coordinating referral-led services like our transport service, podiatry service, and Making Memories
Complementary therapies
Our chair and bedside therapies include massage, reflexology, a nail bar service, and podiatry. They are free, and are are available throughout the Unit for anyone who wishes to use them.
Our weekly schedule is detailed in the image shown here, and we would encourage you to read more about the services below.
Massage and nails
Our massage therapists Darren, Lucy and Coreen can provide relaxing massage appointments to help you unwind. Coreen also specialises in reflexogy, while Lucy is our in-house nail technician.
For our nail bar appointments, Lucy will come to you with all the tools and polishes required to give your hands and nails a pamper and help you feel your best.Please speak to a member of the team or use the button below to enjoy a mini manicure, massage treatment or reflexology – personalised to you.
Podiatry
If you're experiencing problems with your feet or lower limbs, our podiatrist Kay is on hand to deliver assessment, treatment and eduction to help ease any discomfort.
This free service is currently available on Wednesdays in wards 112 and 114, and the service will soon be available within the Radiotherapy and Outpatient Day Treatment Department. Kay can help you with…
- Urgent treatment to prevent or stop infection
- Routine treatment to keep your feet happy and healthy
- Therapeutic treatment to bring that feel-good factor
Speak to our wellbeing team or tap the button to make an appointment.
Mindfulness
“I have been reminded to be kind to myself and have learnt to be more aware of my feelings and techniques to not get so caught up in my thoughts.”
Our mindfulness tutor Louise is offering 1-to-1 mindfulness sessions in the ANCHOR Unit, with breathing techniques and an introduction to mindfulness skills.
Mindfulness can be a great resource to equip you with tools and practices to alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety. In addition to mini sessions in the ANCHOR Unit, we run a fully-funded 8-week course, to help patients and carers cope with difficult emotions and improve sleep quality.
Since we launched our mindfulness course:
- 100% of participants say they are able to deal better with difficult emotions
- And 75% of people noticed improved sleep quality
- 100% would recommend the course to others
Volunteer-led services
Our volunteer-led services include our Welcome Team service, which extends a warm welcome and guiding knowledge to all patients arrinving for day appointments or radiotherapy treatment.
Our volunteers are also on hand for our daily juice runs in the chemotherapy treatment rooms. With the opening of The ANCHOR Centre next year, we will also have a volunteer gardening team and hospitality team.
Ward Assistants
Throughout your time in the ANCHOR Unit, you’ll see Friends of ANCHOR ward assistants, both in the inpatient wards and in the outpatient and day patient departments. You can recognise them by their green Friends of ANCHOR polo shirts.
The ward assistants are on hand to support staff and are often one of the first friendly faces you’ll see as you come into the department.
Brachytherapy support
For people who require brachytherapy as part of their treatment plan, Wellbeing Support Worker Lisa is on hand.
Lisa provides ward-based support for your overnight stay.
