The Lodge, is a ‘drop-in’ Cancer Support and Information Centre and is available for anyone affected by cancer, whether patient, carer or friend. Access to information and general support services is freely available, with no charge.

Do you need information on any aspect of cancer?

We have a wide range of information freely available, in a variety of formats, such as books, videos and audio-cassettes. Centre staff will do their best to ensure that if you have any particular problems, such as poor vision, difficulty in reading or speaking English that the information you get is the most appropriate for your needs.

Do you need expert benefits advice?

If so, we have an appointment only service, available for both patients and carers. This service is available every Wednesday morning and the first and last Friday of every month. The initial appointment is for half an hour and for patients/carers living in Torbay, this can be followed up by a home visit if necessary. For those patients/carers living in Teignbridge an appointment can be made for The Lodge, or for those with difficulty attending, the Lodge can liaise with Dawlish Volunteer Bureau to arrange a home visit.

The Centre manager can also apply for Macmillan patient grants (which do not have to be paid back) Contact the centre to find out if you are eligible.

For those patients who lose their hair

Some chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments can cause patients to lose their hair. We have a weekly, appointment only, wig fitting service in the centre. Patients having radiotherapy should ask their Consultant for a wig request form and then book the appointment via the Lodge. Patients having chemotherapy will have the request form completed at their new patient talk in the Ricky Grant Unit and they should then contact the Lodge to book an appointment. Each appointment is for one hour and is only available on Fridays, although the centre always has in stock a range of headwear and other wig accessories.

Ladies, feel in need of a little pampering?

We can offer one-off beauty pampering sessions for patients and carers. These take place once a month and are a great way to have a couple of hours of fun. Beauty companies such as No 7 come and do facials and make-up. Contact the centre to book yourself a place.

Have you ever tried a complementary therapy?

Many people have and found the hour of ‘chill-out’ time, with gentle massage, just what they needed. The Centre can offer up to 4 free sessions for patients.  Alternatively, the patient can choose to have 2 sessions themselves and let a family member or friend have the other 2 of aromatherapy, massage or reflexology. For further information on any of the therapies, or to book an appointment, please contact the centre.

Are you having difficulty coping with the emotional roller coaster that goes with a cancer diagnosis?

Why not call into the centre and have a chat with the centre manager. She can discuss with you whether referral on to our psychological and counselling support services would be appropriate.

Do you want information about healthy eating?

The centre has food and nutrition workshops, held every other month, from 10 -12 noon with a maximum of 12 people at each. These are run by the Oncology (Cancer Specialist) Dietician and are informative and fun. Both patients and carers can attend. Ring for an appointment.

Do you need to try and unwind?

We hold a monthly relaxation class for patients and carers. The class lasts for 1 ½ hours and everyone is welcome to stay for a ‘cuppa’ afterwards. Ring to book an appointment.

Are you worried that cancer may run in the family?