Local cancer charity, CancerCare, has launched a new online social group to help people feeling isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CancerCare, which has centres in Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow, is running a special Lockdown Drop-in on Zoom every Tuesday at 7pm to enable people feeling lonely and cut off from their usual support networks of family and friends to enjoy some company for an hour.
The sessions will be hosted by the charity’s Engagement Officers Rachel Minshull and Sarah Drake who are planning a variety of activities quizzes, cookery demonstration, beauty product advice and talks from guest speakers.
Rachel said: “Our first meeting was online bingo and we had 13 people join us which was fantastic and we are hoping to build on that. These are really tough times we are experiencing so we just wanted to do something to enable people struggling with isolation, and missing social contact, to enjoy being with some friendly faces for an hour.”
CancerCare provides free professional therapy for people affected by cancer or bereavement and the Lockdown Drop-in is an extension of the its Facebook cancer support group which acts as a forum for people affected by the condition to share tips, support and stories.
The drop-in will run for as long as the current lockdown lasts and upcoming sessions include soup cooking demonstration on 19 January and beauty therapy demonstration on 26 January, with more to be announced.
If anyone would like to take part visit the website www.cancercare.org.uk or email Rachel.minshull@cancercare.org.uk


Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe

