From Grief to Support, A Barnsley Cancer Support Group

Amy Bassinder is one of those truly inspiring people who turns personal pain into purpose. Through compassion and an unwavering commitment to others, she has created something that is changing lives across Barnsley. The Carers and Loved Ones Cancer Support Group.

For anyone caring for a loved one with cancer or navigating life after loss, support can feel hard to find. That is where Amy and her cancer support group in Barnsley step in. From gentle wellbeing sessions to heartfelt acts of community kindness, the group offers a safe space for carers, family members and the bereaved to connect, share and heal together.

“Support looks different for everyone,” says Amy. “Some people come for a chat, some to listen, some just need a quiet, supportive space and all of that is okay.”

Alongside peer support, the group runs gentle walks, creative sessions and guest talks with organisations such as Barnsley Hospice and local carers’ services. The aim is simple: to support people emotionally and practically, helping them feel less alone on their journey.

One of the group’s most magical initiatives is the Kindness Baskets. These are small collections of handmade and donated items, created by group members and gifted to places like the Macmillan POD at Barnsley Hospital and The Well for Wellbeing. From crochet hearts and pocket hugs to comforting notes and self-care items, the baskets are a tangible reminder that someone is thinking of you. Amy hopes to expand the project further to Burleigh Court and Barnsley Hospice.

The idea for the group came from Amy’s personal experience. Caring for her dad during his six-year battle with stage four prostate cancer, she found the journey isolating, with limited local support outside working hours. “I realised there was a real gap for a space where carers, loved ones and bereaved people could simply come together, talk openly and feel understood,” she explains. The group became a way to transform her own pain into something positive, honouring her dad by helping others feel less alone.

Creating the Kindness Baskets is itself a community experience. Members craft, chat and share ideas during sessions. The wider Barnsley community has rallied too, donating materials, handmade items and their time. Local groups such as Cudworth Crafters have contributed, while members say the process gives them purpose and connection during difficult times.

“One of the favourites is Sue’s crochet hearts,” Amy shares. “People often say they like having something small to hold onto. Another is our pocket hugs, something you can carry with you as a reminder that someone cares.”

The response from Barnsley has been overwhelming and the impact of the group is perhaps best captured by its members. Carole, who attends regularly, shares:

“I find the group very beneficial. I cannot thank Amy enough for everything she does for us all. She goes above and beyond, giving up her own time to give us the support and advice we need. It is so lovely to know we are not alone and can talk freely about how we are feeling and share our experiences with other people going through the same thing. Amy is one in a million. Setting up this group and sharing her own experiences with us means so much. We really appreciate everything she does.”

Beyond the baskets, Amy’s work as a Social Prescribing Link Worker connects people to local services for mental health, bereavement, finances and caring responsibilities. She also leads fundraising and community events, including sponsored walks for Macmillan Barnsley and the Breast Care Unit at Barnsley Hospital, bringing people together for meaningful causes.

Amy’s work is strengthened by the incredible community around her right here in Barnsley. Through her role, the group and her fundraising efforts, she has connected with many inspirational and hardworking individuals who give their time and compassion to others. Amy also speaks warmly of the support she personally received from Barnsley Hospice Counselling Services after losing her dad, which helped her navigate anticipatory grief.

For Amy, the heart of Barnsley shines through in its people. “The community lifts each other up. Whether it’s small acts of kindness, fundraising or simply checking in with a smile, there’s so much generosity and care here. That’s what keeps me going.”

Anyone wishing to get involved, donate craft items or support the Kindness Baskets is warmly invited to get in touch with Amy at amy.bassinder@nhs.net or by calling 07380 863049, Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm.

The group meets monthly at welcoming venues across Barnsley:

• First Tuesday of the month, 6pm to 7pm – BHF Priory Centre, Pontefract Road, Barnsley S71 5PN

• Second Thursday of the month, 2pm to 3.30pm – The Well for Wellbeing, Suite 12, Queens Court, 11 Regent Street, Barnsley S70 2EG

• Third Tuesday of the month, 2pm to 3pm – BHF Priory Centre, Pontefract Road, Barnsley S71 5PN

The group is free to attend and refreshments are provided.

At its heart, this is a story about turning grief into kindness and about the quiet power of community. Through compassion and creativity, Amy and her group are reminding Barnsley that even in life’s hardest moments, no one has to face them alone.