Keeping Abreast

We're so grateful to all of our lovely volunteers who help the charity in so many ways - like Fiona, who comes into the office to help make up Pink Packs - information packs - and to assist us with our accounts, among many other things. A big thank you to everyone involved!

Really looking forward to celebrating KA Leicester's 10th Anniversary this evening - raffle prizes at the ready! Happy Birthday to this wonderful group of volunteers & to the medical staff, friends, family & supporters - thank you for everything you do! #reconstructionsupport

When facing life's challenges it's important to look after yourself in every way. Feeling anxious? Remember there are a number of useful resources including #mindfulness at keepingabreast.org.uk - just go to the Well Being section in the Reconstruction Support tab. #artforcure

What does breast reconstruction surgery really feel like & what about the recovery? Go to the Reconstruction Support section of our website keepingabreast.org.uk where you'll find patient stories & real-life reconstruction videos from some of our lovely volunteers to help you.

Thank you to everyone who has donated heart-shaped cushions & drain bags lately for inclusion in our Comfort & Care Bags. Thank you to Jo, Shelagh, Ann, Carol & many others who have cut out, sewn and stuffed these to help bring comfort to those recovering from reconstruction.

Just a week to go till the next Keeping Abreast Plymouth Support Group on Thurs 19th March. If you are facing or going through breast reconstruction after a breast cancer diagnosis or the discovery of a hereditary gene - or you're supporting someone who is then please come along!

Looking for breast cancer reconstruction support? If you're in Gorleston or Cheltenham come along to the meetings taking place this week - all welcome! Our friendly volunteers will be there to chat about all things reconstruction-related and to share their own experiences.

A big thank you to all our lovely volunteers who are willing to talk to those facing #breastcancerreconstruction over the phone, by email, WhatsApp etc - as well as at our face-to-face Support Groups, of course! We really value what you do & we wouldn't exist without you! xx

Being diagnosed with #breastcancer or a hereditary breast cancer gene can be a very stressful time - then there's the prospect of reconstruction surgery which can be just as daunting. Fortunately we have a free monthly #Mindfulness class on Zoom on the first Tuesday of the month.

Feeling stressed? There's a free Mindfulness session on Zoom on the first Tuesday of every month run by lovely KA Volunteer & professional Mindfulness teacher Nerissa. Open to anyone connected with the charity in any way just email Nerissa first so that she can send you the link.

There are two KA Support Groups coming up soon - one in Leicester and one in Norwich - both on Monday 2nd March - where our lovely Keeping Abreast Volunteers will be very happy to support you. You can come along on your own or to bring someone with you - hope to see you there!

It was great to see Jane in the KA HQ office again recently. As you may know, Jane is the Lead Volunteer for the KA Norwich Support Group & we're very lucky to have her! The next Norwich Support Group is 7.15 to 9pm Mon 2nd March, Patteson Parish Room, 13 Newmarket Rd, NR4 6UE.

Just a week till our next Norwich Support Group on Monday 2nd March. Find out more about breast cancer reconstruction by chatting to our lovely volunteers and see real-life surgery results. No need to book or pay - just pop in! #breastcancerreconstructionsupport

Professionals & Stakeholders – We Need Your Insight! We're surveying to improve breast cancer reconstruction support! Share your views on service gaps, our support & partnership working. Survey: menti.com/aleuza3o8rhk Closes March 31st. #BreastCancer #BreastReconstruction

A big thank you to Sharon Dingle for devising an unusual way of raising funds for KA: boob-shaped dog dummies! They are 10 each, with £5 from each sale going to KA. Want to buy one? Email: sharon@bellspaddle.co.uk More at: edp24.co.uk/news/25852690.…

Woo-hoo! We're delighted to report that we now have over 700 members in our closed Facebook group, the Keeping Abreast Online Support Group UK. Fancy joining us? facebook.com/groups/2647308… #breastcancerreconstructionsupport #peertopeersupport

Superpower alert! These Super Scarves from @scampanddude brighten the day of women facing breast cancer — reminding them they’re strong, supported & never alone. We’re proud to receive and share them! Donate or buy: scampanddude.com 💕#BreastCancerSupport

There are three Keeping Abreast support sessions this week so make a note in your diaries! Our lovely volunteers will be in Wymondham, South Norfolk, on 11th Feb; Gorleston, Norfolk, on 12th Feb, and Cheltenham on 14th Feb - see keepingabreast.org.uk for details!

✨ Meet our wonderful volunteer Chrissie 💕 Over the years Chrissie has been an incredible Support Volunteer for Keeping Abreast offering a kind listening ear and heartfelt support to so many people navigating Breast Cancer Reconstruction. Thank you, Chrissie! xxx

Not long to go until the next Keeping Abreast Wymondham Outreach Group on Wednesday 11th February. If you're in South Norfolk and you're facing #breastcancerreconstruction or supporting someone who is, please pop in! All welcome.