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


New four-day Lancaster Fringe Festival announced
Former Lancaster antiques centre revamp gets go-ahead
Controversial new housing plans near Lancaster given thumbs up
LISTEN: Plans revealed for 'permanent seasonal' Lancaster On Ice
Morecambe woman charged with murder following death of eight-week-old baby
Rescue after person stuck in mud in Lancaster
Hundreds expected at Eden Project Morecambe 'breaking ground ceremony'
Morecambe children's nursery announces plans to close during extreme heat
Lancaster MP responds to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister
Carnforth High School praised as a "caring community" in Ofsted report
Body of man found in Lancaster park
LISTEN and PHOTOS: Armed Forces weekend will return after massive crowds enjoy biggest ever event
Morecambe MP says Sir Keir Starmer "has made right decision" as Prime Minister resigns
Limited edition artwork will raise vital funds for Lancaster community group
Green Heritage Plaque marks first home of Lancaster University
New home revealed for £20m Morecambe West End regeneration scheme
Wooden nests take flight in Lancaster and Morecambe to stop decline of endangered birds
Veterans salute as Armed Forces Day flag raised at start of celebration weekend in Morecambe
Vandals cause delays to aqueduct sinkhole repairs in Lancaster
Extra Care scheme to open in Lancaster

