Services at the Cove

How to access information and support

You can access this information by coming to visit us at the Cove. There’s no need to make an appointment, volunteers will always be on hand to talk to you and help you find the information you need.

The Citizens Advice Cornwall Macmillan welfare benefits advisors can give you free, impartial and confidential advice over the phone or through arranging an appointment. Please contact us on 01872 256373 for further details.

This service can help you with:

• Managing difficult thoughts & feelings relating to your experience of cancer
• Coping with tests, treatments & coming to hospital
• Working with worries that can get in the way of treatment
• Exploring upsetting events linked to your diagnosis or treatment
• Adjusting to changes in the way you look
• Noticing how cancer affects your relationships
• Facing uncertainty & fears about cancer coming back
• Moving on with life after treatment ends & building your confidence
• If you are living with cancer but are worried about dying

If you need extra help and support from this service:

Referrals to the service are generally made through your clinical team (including your Clinical Nurse Specialist) but specialist staff within The Cove Macmillan Cancer Support Centre can also refer you.

How do I access this service?

Your consultant or clinical nurse specialist can usually arrange a referral if there are problems you need advice about.

A physiotherapist can help you:
● build your physical fitness
● improve your energy, strength, joint range of movement, coordination and balance
● manage the side effects or late effects of treatment
● enjoy and increase your physical activities and avoid injuries
● manage breathlessness and fatigue

For more information about this service please call The Cove Macmillan Support Centre on:
01872 256 363
thecove@nhs.net

People living with cancer and/or haematological conditions often have many questions about their diet. There is plenty of information in the media and online, but it can be difficult to know where to start and what to trust.

We offer one-to-one dietary advice drop in sessions on Friday mornings at the Cove. These sessions are run by NHS Registered Dietitians. Depending on your individual situation, we may see you just the once, or advise you to come back for one or more review sessions.

You can book a session in advance, or just drop in on the day. To pre-book an appointment either call the dietitians on 01872 258326 (You may get the answerphone, in which case leave a message and we’ll call you back) or email rch-tr.dietitiancornwalloncology@nhs.net.

What happens at your session?

First, we’ll take time to find out about your concerns and your reasons for seeking advice. We’ll ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle, treatment plan, symptoms you are experiencing, and your diet. We may also take measurements such as your weight. Then we’ll consider your individual nutritional needs and give you tailored dietary advice and information, as well as written information to take away with you.

Some people require nutritional supplements that need to be prescribed as part of their care. We can discuss with you but we may need to contact your GP or Consultant to recommend these.

Relatives and carers

We’re happy to provide general information on diet and nutrition to relatives/carers, but we can only discuss individualised advice directly with the patient.

Wig service

We offer a confidential, discreet and personalised hair loss consultancy service, run by highly experienced and compassionate advisors. We have an extensive selection of wigs to choose from, which we can help fit, and provide a complete aftercare service.

Sessions take place in one of our lovely, private therapy rooms every Tuesday. We can also arrange a home visit. You are welcome to bring a friend or partner to your appointment if you wish and first appointments usually last for around an hour.

The option of wigs will be discussed with you at your Chemotherapy Pre-Assessment appointment where they will explain the voucher process that enables you to have a contribution from the NHS either to pay for, or put towards a wig of your choice.

How to book an appointment with the Wig Service.

To book an appointment please phone 01822 610292. Alternatively just speak to a member of staff at The Cove, or on Lowen Ward or the Headland Unit.

Hats and Scarves

Our free Hats and Scarves service, run by a team of Cornwall Hospice Care volunteers, offers friendly advice and practical tips on how to wear scarves, to help you feel more confident and comfortable with your body image.

Volunteers will show you how to wear and style your headwear and can even recommend suitable items for special occasions, such as weddings. We also have a selection of hats, scarves, bandanas and turbans available to buy.

There is a drop in session at The Cove every third Tuesday, and you can also contact the hospice on 01726 65711 (Mount Edgcumbe) or 01736 759070 (St Julia’s) direct to arrange a specific one-to-one consultation.

Look Good, Feel Better

We run a free make-up workshop, called Look Good… Feel Better, on a monthly basis (alternating between The Cove and St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle). The sessions are run by trained beauty professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help women combat the visible side effects of treatment, some of which can dramatically change their appearance and body image.

These relaxed and friendly sessions (which are held in private in one of our lovely rooms) provide hints, tips, and even some free cosmetic samples, that will help you to look and feel better throughout your cancer journey.

If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, please speak to one of the team during your visit to The Cove or ask your Clinical Nurse Specialist to refer you.

Please contact the Cove for details.

Please ask one of the team at the Cove for details of any relevant support groups.

Meeting rooms for support groups

We have rooms available for use by cancer patient support groups that are directly affiliated to the Royal Cornwall Hospital. If you’d like to book one of our meeting rooms, please call on 01872 256363 or email thecove@nhs.net.