CANCER patients and their carers in St Albans and Harpenden are being offered help and support in their own home from a new team of specially trained staff and volunteers.

The service, which is provided by the Grove House Hospice with financial support from Macmillan Cancer Relief, offers emotional and practical support for people at their own home.

Among the treatments on offer are occupational therapy including reflexology, reiki and massages, home sitting and complementary therapy for patients as well as befriending services for family and friends of the patient.

Ms Wendy Burns, home manager at Macmillan Grove House said a vital part of the service was recognising the need of not just the patient but carers and family who often need to take time out for themselves.

She added: "Often a diagnosis of cancer can leave a person and their family feeling lonely and isolated.

"A patient can get a boost of confidence if they have a trip to look forward to or feel reassured their prescription is collected.

"A carer may appreciate someone else to talk to or just some time to catch up on sleep or paperwork.

"The volunteers really make a difference by providing support, companionship and practical help in a person's home at a crucial time in their life."

Staff from Grove House carry out an assesment to match up a person's needs with a suitable volunteer.

The helper and volunteer then meet up to make sure both are happy with the arrangement.

The service is available seven days a week from 8am until 8pm depending on availability.

It can be a regular weekly visit or used on an ad hoc basis.

For more information, enquiries and referrals phone Fran Deane on 01727 730015 or Wendy Burns on 01727 731020.