More support available in York for people living with cancer

The Leveson Centre opened in February

Author: Karen LiuPublished 31st May 2023

More support is being made available to people living with cancer in York.

Patients are being invited to the Leveson Centre at the Community Centre in the City and it is being run by the charity York Against Cancer.

Julie Russell, Chief Executive, said: "It is in a way like a double-edged sword because yes, we know that the money we're spending on providing the centre has been well spent however, it means an awful lot of people need us.

"It's getting really well used. People can drop-in, have a cup of tea, they can come and have complementary therapy and during the next few months we'll be offering a few other things like relaxation classes.

"There was a cancer care centre at York Hospital but since lockdown that's no longer open, so cancer services have been a little bit thin on the ground. I mean the holistic, complementary therapy."

The charity also offers psychological support and returning to work advice as well as group meetups.

The Leveson Centre

The Leveson Centre offers a range of complementary therapies to support cancer patients in their journey through cancer treatment and beyond. The initial complementary therapy offering of reiki, hypnotherapy, aromatherapy, and reflexology has been well-received by patients, who have found these therapies to be beneficial in managing their physical, emotional, and mental well-being after cancer treatment.

Due to high demand, the charity is expanding the provision by bringing in a second therapist, meaning there will be more availability for cancer patients from across the county to benefit from these services free of charge.

Debbie Smith, General Manager at The Leveson Centre, said: "We are delighted to see the positive response to our complementary therapy program at The Leveson Centre.

"Our goal is to provide a wide range of holistic support services to cancer patients and their families, and being our first service offered, we are so pleased to see the positive impact it has had so far on improving symptoms, reducing stress, and improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients."

The charity covers the cost of up to six sessions of complementary therapy for patients, meaning the financial burden is taken care of.

Alethea Pritchard, resident complementary therapist at The Leveson Centre, said: "The demand for our complementary therapy program has been beyond our expectations. We have seen first-hand how these therapies have made a difference in the lives of our patients, and we are committed to expanding the program to accommodate the increasing need for these services."

York Against Cancer says The Leveson Centre is staffed by qualified and experienced practitioners who provide personalised care and support to cancer patients. The centre also offers a welcoming and calming environment for patients to relax and take a moment for themselves.

The charity wants to extend its heartfelt thanks to its donors, supporters, and volunteers whose generous contributions have made the complementary therapy program at The Leveson Centre possible.

For more information about The Leveson Centre and the complementary therapy programme, visit their website or contact support@thelevesoncentre.org.uk or 01904 202647.

View of the kitchen from the seating area
Another view of the kitchen from the seating area
Library area
Family room

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