Let's Meet

Our Let's Meet support and information event usually takes place over one day in London, for patients and their loved ones who have been affected by cervical cancer. However, with the current situation, an event in person won't be possible this year. 

We don’t want you to miss out this year though so, instead, we are really excited to be holding a virtual Let’s Meet, which will take place over a week. Read on to find out more about how it’s working this year.

What is Let's Meet?

Let's Meet is our annual informal information and support event for women affected by cervical cancer and their loved ones. It provides an opportunity to share experiences, get answers to your questions and learn from our speakers.

The event covers all aspects of living with and beyond a diagnosis, including your physical, psychological, and emotional wellbeing. The support of family and friends plays a key role in how we get through a cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment, but there is nothing quite like talking to someone who is going through the same thing. We want to give those affected by cervical cancer a chance to do that. Each year, we see new and familiar faces come together in this supportive community.

Whether you have just been diagnosed or were diagnosed many years ago, Let’s Meet is for you, providing a safe place to connect with others and talk about your experience.

Our first online Let’s Meet

Join us from 21 - 25 September 2020 for a chance to listen to some amazing speakers and connect with others. We will be holding a different session each day of the week. You are able to sign up to as many or as few sessions as you would like. The sessions will be held on a webinar platform (which we will make as technologically simple as possible!)

We know this is different to how we would normally see you all for Let’s Meet, but we really hope to “see” as many of you as possible for what we hope proves to be a great week. 

The workshops on offer are: 

Monday 21st September, 12.20 - 13.30: Looking After Your Mental Health

Psychological or emotional difficulties following a diagnosis of cervical cancer are not only common but also understandable. The good news is that there are many simple things that patients and loved ones can do to support themselves through this difficult time.

Dr Catherine Bousfield will be sharing some ideas from her experience as a cancer psychologist which can help you understand these challenges, and build your confidence as you adjust to your situation and move forward. We hope you will all find something useful in this session. There will be an opportunity for some questions and discussion at the end.

Tuesday 22nd September, 12.20 - 13.30: Let’s Talk 

A facilitated discussion with the Rebecca Shoosmith and Hannah Dwyer from the Jo’s support team. Feedback from previous Let’s Meet events has shown that attendees would like to have more time to chat to each other about their experiences and develop friendships from the day.

“Come and join me in this relaxed space where we can shoot the breeze on life, the universe and beyond cervical cancer!” - Rebecca Shoosmith

*Please note that this session is only for anyone who is living with or beyond a cervical cancer diagnosis.

Wednesday 23rd September, 19.00 - 20.00: Partners Let’s Talk 

A facilitated discussion run by Dave Collin, a partner of someone who has had a cervical cancer diagnosis.

This interactive workshop will allow partners to share their experiences and feelings about how their life has been affected by their partner’s cervical cancer diagnosis, information provision, common emotions and personal coping mechanisms.

*Please note that this session is only for partners and not for anyone who has been diagnosed with or is living with cervical cancer.

Thursday 24th September, 12.20 - 13.30: Sex and Intimacy

A cervical cancer diagnosis and treatments may impact on your intimate relationships. This interactive session with Lynn Buckley, will provide you with information and tips on how to address any difficulties, including the following topics: 

• Changes to the body after a cervical cancer diagnosis
• Possible problems you may experience
• Practical advice to address problems from a physical, psychological and emotional perspective.   

There will be time throughout the session for questions and discussions.

Friday 25th September, 12.20 - 13.30: Gong Bath Relaxation 

Sound meditation with the gong is an immersive experience that is relaxing and revitalizing for your mind, body and soul. Often referred to as a gong bath, it's a chance to unwind and release tension as you lie in front of a gong and let the soothing tones carry you away into a deep state of relaxation. The powerful sound waves will vibrate every cell in your body, helping to release blocked energy and restore wellbeing. You'll leave with a renewed sense of calm, clarity and vigor.

*The session is not suitable for you if you are in your first trimester of pregnancy, suffer from a sound sensitive condition, fits, or have a pacemaker. Please contact us if you are not sure if the session is suitable for you and we will discuss it with the workshop facilitator Selma.