A new support group for women with breast cancer is holding monthly meetings at Sidmouth's GandO cafe/restaurant.

The meetings are a chance for women to talk to others in the same position in an informal setting, over coffee and cake. The next one is on Monday, April 29 from 10.30am until 12 noon. 

The support group is run by the Can Cope charity, which is specifically for people with breast cancer. The charity is chaired by Steph Denver, who has been treated for breast cancer herself, and who introduced some new initiatives when she took over last year.  These include providing 'chemo kits' for women receiving chemotherapy; they contain hand and body creams, fluffy socks, lip balms, soft toothbrushes, mouthwash, a thermometer and other gifts to help and comfort patients undergoing the treatment. GandO has a donation box for these items.  

Steph also introduced the 'feel good Friday campaign', which is a social media reminder for women to self-examine and book their mammograms to make sure any possible signs of cancer are picked up early. 

Steph told the Herald: "There are lots of general cancer charities working in East Devon to help people, but Can Cope are the only charity specifically for women with breast cancer.

"Over 58,000 are diagnosed each year and around 30 per month at Exeter RD&E.

"The Exmouth support group is well established and we have just started the group in Sidmouth to support women in the surrounding area.

"I would be very interested to hear from women around East Devon who would like to set up groups in their local areas. There is very little help once treatment has finished and this is the time when recovery begins, and it can be helpful to meet up with others who really 'get it'."

 Steph can be contacted on 07709 081 618 or by emailing cancopegroup@gmail.com