Our Oncology Counselling team offers support to patients of the Kent Oncology Centre and their relatives. Counselling offers the opportunity to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences in a supportive confidential environment. In addition, our service aims to:
- Identify and alleviate psychological and physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, low mood and depression.
- Facilitate open and honest communication where appropriate.
- Identify and explore social, psychological and spiritual difficulties.
- Facilitate self-help through empowerment.
- Provide support through their own, or their loved one’s cancer journey.
- Identify current coping strategies and suggest additional healthy coping strategies that may be helpful.
A diagnosis of cancer can impact on the whole family. The Oncology Counselling team can accept referrals for patients with an Oncological diagnosis and their family members. Patients must be registered with a named consultant at MTW NHS Trust and also be receiving part or all of their treatment at MTW NHS Trust. Unfortunately, referrals for relatives of patients who live outside of Kent or for people under the age of 18 cannot be accepted. However, patients can be helped to think through how to talk to their children about cancer and its effects.
If you meet the criteria as described above, you can refer yourself by calling the number below or ask to be referred by a medical professional. Once your referral has been received, you will be placed on the waiting list and will be contacted within two to four weeks. Please see the below alternative support and resources which may be helpful. If you do not meet the criteria please contact your GP who will be able to refer you to an appropriate counselling service.
The Oncology Counselling team offers a predominantly outpatient-based service. However, the service also provides ward-based therapeutic interventions for in-patients.
Operating hours and contact details
Operating hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm and sessions are offered via telephone, online and in-person at both Maidstone Hospital and at Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Please note we are not an urgent service. If you require immediate help, please call 999 or contact the Kent and Medway Urgent Mental Health helpline (0800 783 9111).
Maidstone Hospital
Hermitage Lane Maidstone Kent ME16 9QQ 01622 224982
|
Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Tonbridge Road Pembury Kent TN2 4QJ 01622 224982
|
Alternative support and resources
- Your GP practice for counselling
- Macmillan / Bupa counselling service (0808 808 00 00) – offer up to six sessions of free one-on-one counselling macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/emotional-help/bupa-counselling-and-emotional-well-being-support
- The Pickering Centre (01892 511880) – offer counselling as well as a place where people can “drop in” to chat in Tunbridge Wells pickeringcancercentre.org.uk
- Harmony Therapy Trust (01795 663050) – offer different types of complementary and supportive therapy theharmonytherapytrust.org.uk (referral needed from a Healthcare Provider).
- We are with you (0300 012 0012) – offer free talking therapies in Surrey and Kent. Self-referral via their website wearewithyou.org.uk
- Penny Brohn (0303 3000 118) – offer a range of emotional and wellbeing support and self-help resources on their website. Based in Bristol but offer online individual and group sessions. pennybrohn.org.uk
- NHS (111) – for further advice https://111.nhs.uk/
- Blackthorn Trust (01622 828374) – offer specialist therapies and a range of workshops in Maidstone. blackthorn.org.uk
- Samaritans (116 123) – 24/7 telephone support or email Jo@Samaritans.org
- The Kent and Medway Urgent Mental Health Helpline (0800 783 9111)