Personal consultations
We understand how helpful it can be to speak personally and confidentially to a cancer expert who understands what you are going through and can give you tailored advice and support.
If you are experiencing ongoing physical or emotional concerns related to your cancer we can offer one-to-one consultations with our experienced integrative doctors, counsellors, nutritional therapists, exercise specialists and complementary therapists. These appointments are a chance to share your personal concerns and receive personalised support for your health and wellbeing.
They are particularly suited to those who:
- Have had a recent diagnosis and would like to discuss ways to support their health and wellbeing before and during cancer treatment.
- Are experiencing difficult side effects and symptoms related to their cancer or cancer treatment*
- Are living with or supporting a loved one with an advancing cancer.
- Are experiencing considerable distress or anxiety because of their own or loved one’s cancer diagnosis.
*You can also find out more about our 4-week online Treatment Support Programme here.
Information about the different personal consultations we offer is included below. Appointments can be offered by Zoom and phone and can be booked with our Client Support Team clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk or 0303 300 0118 Please be patient with us, our small team is very busy and will respond to your message as soon as they can.
Our personal consultations are offered free of charge to ensure that they are accessible to anyone with cancer, regardless of their circumstances. However, as a charity, we rely on donations to fund our work and ask that you consider making a contribution towards the cost of your consultation if you can. Thank you.
Childcare bursaries available
The Penny Brohn UK Nicola Corry Support Fund gives financial assistance for parents to attend services and support at Penny Brohn UK. Specifically, the fund supports one or both parents of a child under the age of 16 years old, where one or both have themselves had a diagnosis of cancer within the last 3 years. We can offer childcare and travel bursaries. If you would like to access this support, please email clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk.
How we can help
Counselling
Counselling offers a confidential space to share your thoughts and feelings with an experienced therapist who will listen with care and without judgement. This support is available whether you have received a cancer diagnosis yourself or are supporting someone close to you.
A cancer diagnosis can bring many changes, both in the short and longer term. It’s common to experience a wide range of emotions, and finding ways to adjust can feel challenging. Counselling can help you gain new perspectives on your situation and relationships and support you in finding ways to make things feel more manageable.
At Penny Brohn UK we offer short-term cancer counselling of up to six 50 minute sessions, normally offered over a consecutive six-week period. This service is intended for people who are experiencing significant emotional impact related to cancer and who are not currently able to access support elsewhere.
To ensure that our limited resources can benefit as many people who need support as possible, our counselling service is available to:
- Individuals diagnosed with cancer within the past three years, or those supporting someone diagnosed within the past three years
- Anyone living with an incurable cancer diagnosis
- People who have not accessed counselling in the last six months, unless this is related to a new cancer diagnosis
- Individuals who have not previously used Penny Brohn’s counselling service, unless there has been a new cancer diagnosis
Please note that we are not a bereavement service. However, we can offer guidance and signpost you to appropriate bereavement support if needed.
We recognise that private counselling is not financially accessible for everyone, and our free counselling service exists to ensure that cost is not a barrier to receiving support during a difficult time. If you feel able to consider private counselling, we can also share a list of recommended counsellors who have experience of working with people affected by cancer.
If you are interested in using our counselling services, please contact our Client Support Team on clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk or call 0303 3000 118
"I really believe Penny Brohn UK saved me, not just my mental state but my life. And now I am loving life!"
Meet our counsellors
Megan Paxton
Psychological and Emotional Support Lead
Megan is an integrative counsellor and member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. Her compassionate, person-centred approach is supported by 20-years’ experience in nursing including work in cancer care, along with holistic qualifications in yoga and wellbeing.
In her work leading the psychological and emotional support services at Penny Brohn UK, Megan draws from evidence-based practice and complementary approaches and has a strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility.
Anne Sheekey
Trainee Counsellor
Annie has worked in the field of natural health for over 25 years and is now nearing completion of her training as an integrative counsellor. Her work is grounded in a deep respect for the connection between mind and body, and she brings a compassionate, reflective approach to supporting others through life’s challenges.
Annie has a longstanding interest in contemplative practices and their role in supporting both mental and physical wellbeing, particularly during periods of illness, transition, and recovery. Alongside her counselling training, she runs a company rooted in Chinese tea philosophy, where mindfulness, presence, and connection are central values.
Drawing on this rich and varied background, Annie offers a calm, thoughtful, and holistic perspective, supporting individuals to feel heard, grounded, and gently resourced.
Michelle Roberts
Counsellor
Michelle is an integrative counsellor currently specialising in cancer counselling. Michelle offers a warm, respectful, and non-judgemental space where clients can explore the emotional, psychological, and relational impact of cancer at their own pace. Drawing on an integrative approach, they tailor their work to each person’s needs, supporting clients with issues such as anxiety, fear, loss, uncertainty, and changes to identity.
Michelle is committed to working collaboratively and sensitively, recognising the complexity of the cancer experience and the importance of being heard, supported, and understood during times of significant challenge.
Nutrition support
A nutritious diet can be an important tool for supporting your health and wellbeing with cancer and may help to improve your energy levels and reduce symptoms and side effects. Our experienced team can offer personalised, evidence-based advice if you need additional support adapting our healthy eating guidelines to your particular needs.
Please note that nutritional therapists are not able to provide advice concerning medical devices such as stomas and feeding tubes, or symptoms that significantly affect your food intake. This support should be provided by your oncology team. However, if you are having trouble eating at this time, we have some helpful guidelines developed in collaboration with a team of oncology Dietitians that you may find useful.
To discuss if nutritional therapy might be helpful for you please contact our Client Support Team by email clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk or call 0303 3000 118.
"I found the sessions extremely useful and the therapist extremely knowledgeable with lots of useful tips even though I thought I followed a fairly healthy diet anyway, seems you can always improve!"
Meet our nutrition team
Kim Wilcox
Nutrition LEAD
MSc in Nutrition & Behaviour, mBANT, CNHC
Kim joined Penny Brohn UK in 2019. She has a passion for nutrition research and making evidence-based nutrition engaging and accessible for clients, focusing on simple, joyful, positive approaches towards what we eat. Kim specialises in nutrition to support mental and physical wellbeing cohesively and she also works as Integrative Therapist in Nutritional Psychiatry at The Priory Hospital, and lectures in nutrition.
Victoria Kubiak
Nutritional Therapist
NCAHE, Dip ONC, APNT, Dip AT, BANT, BCMA, APNT, BInst AT, KF & CthA
Victoria is a registered nutritional therapist who has worked for Penny Brohn UK for over 20 years and also has a private practice. She has a vast knowledge of the history and health benefits of different foods and a passion for inspiring people to cook simple, nutritious and delicious meals using everyday ingredients.
Exercise Therapy
Being physically active is beneficial for nearly everyone with cancer and can help to improve physical and emotional health and wellbeing before, during and after treatment. Our regular online classes offer a safe, fun and sustainable way to increase your activity and rebuild strength regardless of your fitness levels.
However, if you are recovering from recent surgery or experiencing limitations that mean you need to adapt your approach to exercise, our specialists can offer tailored one-to-one support to meet your individual needs.
To discuss if an appointment with one of our exercise specialists might be helpful for you please contact our Client Support Team by email clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk or call 0303 300 0118
"For the first time since starting chemo, I was finally well enough to join an exercise class today. It was so great I just wanted to let you know. I really enjoyed it and found it fun, relaxing, great for stretching and simply amazing. The teacher is incredibly knowledgeable and talented. I plan to join it again every time I can"
Meet our exercise team
Olivia Core
Yoga teacher
Olivia qualified as a physiotherapist in 2009, and has over nine years’ experience as a specialist oncology, haematology and palliative care physiotherapist. In 2019, she become a lymphoedema practitioner and currently works for the Dorothy House Hospice Care Lymphoedema Service, in Bath, and is trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).
Olivia completed the 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in 2021, and now teaches yoga to people living with and beyond cancer. Her passion is to promote exercise and wellbeing, and the ethos ‘Yoga for All’.
Scar therapy
Scar therapy is a gentle complementary approach that can support the healthy recovery of scars after surgery or radiotherapy. The treatment can improve the appearance of new or old scars and enhance movement by working on the structure of the underlying tissue.
Scar therapy may also reduce pain and sensitivity and help to support any emotional impacts the scar may have been having.
To find out more and discuss if Scar Therapy might be helpful for you please contact our Client Support Team by emailing clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk or calling 0303 3000 118. Please note that the Scar Therapy one-to-one appointments are available online and at our centre in Pill, near Bristol.
We also offer online group support with scars which you can access.
"So fantastic to discover new options that are available for managing scars. Wonderful speakers with Kate and Janey - thanks so much!"
Meet our practitioner
Kate Oldham
Cancer rehabilitation therapist
Kate works closely with you to design a progressive treatment and self-management programme, that not only suits your lifestyle but improves your quality of life.
Kate specialises in Lymphoedema management, ScarWork and Reflexology, but with ten years of training she is able to provide a wealth of support.
FAQs
Scar therapy is gentle yet effective and can assist with the recovery of new or old scars resulting from cancer treatment.
Your safety is our primary concern and there are some situations where scar therapy may not be appropriate. We will not be able to provide the treatment in the following circumstances:
- Your surgery and/or radiotherapy took place less than 6 weeks ago
- Your wound is infected or has not healed sufficiently
- A tumour is still present at the site of the scar
If you are unsure if scar therapy is suitable for you at this time, please let us know and our therapist will be happy to give you a brief call to discuss this. You may also want to discuss your interest and suitability for scar therapy with your oncology team.
Scar therapy is gentle and therapeutic, often promoting a sense of relaxation and release. Most people experience little or no discomfort during their session, but some discomfort is possible. Some people also experience an emotional response. Our experienced therapist will ensure that you are fully aware of any possible side effects and provide the guidance and support you need.
We are pleased to be able to offer three one-hour in person appointments at our Centre in Pill, near Bristol or online. The initial appointment will include a 30-minute consultation where Kate will discuss your situation and concerns. She will monitor changes to your scars to chart your progress between appointments and provide a helpful self-care package at the end of your final session.
Anyone, who has a new or an old scar resulting from cancer treatment that is causing physical or emotional concern, and where they are suitable for safe support (see ‘is scar therapy safe’ above).
The consultations are generously funded and are offered free of charge. However, we very much welcome a donation to Penny Brohn UK so that we can continue to offer support to others in the future.
Our funding limits the support we can offer to three sessions. Kate will be happy to discuss the opportunity to continue to work with her on a paid appointment basis as a private client.
We offer a three-part online series ‘A Guide to scars and how to manage them through self-care’. You can find dates for the next series and book your place on our website:
https://www.pennybrohn.org.uk/sessions/guide-to-scars/
Alternatively, the following websites can help you find a suitably qualified practitioner:
https://scarwork.uk/; Restore Therapy – Training Courses in Scar Tissue Treatment
Appointments are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings each week at 11am. The therapist will discuss the best plan for you but typically the appointments will span a 3-month period.
To make an appointment or find out more, please contact our friendly Client Support
team by emailing clientsupport@pennybrohn.org.uk or calling 0303 3000 118.
We have a limited number of appointments available and want to ensure that as many people can benefit as possible. We therefore ask that you please give at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to change or cancel your appointment so that we can offer it to another client.
We do understand that sometimes situations change and will try to accommodate short notice changes, however, please note that appointments that are not attended without prior notification will not be rescheduled.
Lymphoedema support
Please note that our lymphoedema support personal consultations are temporarily on hold and will be returning soon.
Kate, an experienced cancer rehabilitation specialist, will support you in these one-to-one sessions with tailored information and tools so you can feel more confident and equipped to manage your lymphoedema.
We also offer online group support with lymphoedema which you can access.
Meet our practitioner
Kate Oldham
Cancer rehabilitation therapist
Kate works closely with you to design a progressive treatment and self-management programme, that not only suits your lifestyle but improves your quality of life.
Kate specialises in Lymphoedema management, ScarWork and Reflexology, but with ten years of training she is able to provide a wealth of support.
FAQs
Lymphoedema is a swelling, most commonly in the arms and legs, that develops when the lymphatic system is impaired.
In order to understand how lymphoedema occurs, it is important to understand the lymphatic system in general – what it is and how it works.
Lymphoedema self-care introduces and demonstrates pillars of lymphoedema management with simple techniques you can do at home to support your lymphatic system and enables you to learn more about lymphoedema as a condition.
- If there is evidence of cellulitis, this would need to be addressed prior to self-care advice
- It is suitable for everyone as a healthy lymphatic system will support healing
- These sessions do not act as a substitute for your medical care, and you should continue to adhere to medical advice
- For anyone with blood cancers, the therapist would need to work closely with the oncology team
- Online – The session will cover the pillars of self-care (movement, compression, skin care, massage and weight management) with signposting to any other appropriate services.
- Face to face – This session could include lymphatic drainage, reflexology lymphatic support and compression garment measuring along with self-care advice and signposting to appropriate services.
We are pleased to be able to offer three one-hour in person appointments at our Centre in Pill, near Bristol and online. Our funding limits the support we can offer to three sessions. Kate will be happy to discuss the opportunity to continue to work with her on a paid appointment basis as a private client.
- Wear something you feel comfortable in
- If you have had a diagnosis – let the therapist know
- It is also useful for the therapist to know which NHS service has provided the diagnosis
- the “staging” of your lymphoedema
- which areas of the body are affected
- If we are doing n-person manual lymphatic drainage there will be the need to have hands on appropriate touch
- If you would like a chaperone or to include someone to learn simple techniques to help support you, then please just inform the therapist ahead of the session
Practitioners should be recognised by the following associations
The practitioner should be appropriately qualified and covered by an appropriate insurance.
Typical costs for sessions range between £60 and £100.
“Just wanted to thank you again for your time yesterday. Such a joy to meet you in person, as I knew it would be, and I had the most marvellous sleep ever!! I really enjoyed the whole day, but time with you was the most precious.
Forgot to say the most important thing, as well as wonderful sleep, thanks to treatment with you I am sure, lymphoedema on waking was better than has been for months, so heartfelt thanks again”