A support group for bowel cancer patients has relaunched in Walsall following a 20-year run.

Previously called B Friend, the cancer support sessions were stood down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the Walsall Bowel Cancer Support Group is back up and running for patients diagnosed with the condition.

The Colorectal Team at Walsall Manor Hospital is inviting patients and their relatives to join the group as a way of socialising with people in a similar situation. The sessions were popular before the pandemic and the team is hosting them bi-monthly – with a plan to increase the regularity if the demand is there.

Kate Davies, Patient Centred Follow Up in Colorectal Services at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said:

“The last meeting in March was attended by 15 patients and their relatives. This was a good turnout for not only the patients but for us as healthcare professionals too as we were able to learn more about what patients want to get from us.

“We discuss everything our patients need to know about bowel cancer and how they can be supported physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. The group is for our patients and their relatives only, and we discuss the things that they want and need.”

Mariam Dula, 46, was diagnosed in August 2022 and recently attended the group.

“I found the extra support made me feel confident. I even felt that comfortable I was able to stand up and talk about my own story,” she said.

“It is a really supportive place, and it helps sharing my story with people who have experienced the same or similar thing.”

The next meeting is taking place on Monday 13 May 2024 by invitation only. To find out more about the group please contact your colorectal nurses on 01922 656300.