2024 Cancer Support Annual Report Canc , REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 1190392 Foreword ,4s Th'e retlect on ?u24, it is with immense pri(le and gratitude that we share this year's ,4nnual Report foi- Rai, of Light Lancer Support. This Vear has been a testament to the strengLh of our commiinity, the dedication of our volunteers aiid statt", and tlie unlvaiei'ing 8UPPOrt t'rom our funders. To.gether, N-c hawc contiiiiicd to ot't'cr i,"ital scri:iccs to bcncticiarics and laniilics nai'igaLiIig thc ckialleiiges ot. cancer. ensuring no one fcels alone. In 2024, M-e expanded our outreach, iiitroduced new workshops, and enhanced our seTh:ices, Lill ii:hile listenin.g to the i'oices of those we support. Ivhether it 'as through our craft and mindfiilness sessions, familv da). trips. or one-to- one supporL, Ive ￿.IlneSSed counlless momenls ol conneclion, resilience, and hope. Our achicvcmciits this ycar would iiot haic bcen possiblc ii.ithout thc trust and engagetneIiL ol. Lhose who Liirn Lo us I'or help. Your sloi'ies inspii'e us Lo do more, reach fuither and provide better. We are equally grateful to our dedicated team ot, staft. and i'olunteers, whose pas.sion and hard M-ork are the t'oundation of all ivc do. .4s we look ahead to ?02) ￿:e remain committed to growing our impact and responding to the evolving needs ol. ollr community.. 'I'ogether, Nve m.ill continue to liglit the m.ay for those facing the darke8t of times. Tliaiik you lor beiiig parL ol. IFie Rav ol. I.ighl lamily and I'or siipporliiLg oiir mission. Ive hope this report higrhlights the differenc'e we've made together and i118pires contiiiued collaboration in the tuture. Sind) RAchai'ds' Ilice Chair Mission statement Our mission at Ray of Light Cancer Support is to provide exceptional, free support to anyone affected by cancer. We are committed to ensuring that beneficiaries impacted by car)cer car) access tailored social, practical. and emotional assistan￿. No one sk)ould face cancer alone-our seNices are designed to improve overall health outcomes by meeting the unique needs ofeach person. Ray of Light Cancer SupFJ)rt is more than a resource; we are a welcoming community offering compassionate care to beneficiaries, their families, friends, and carers. Ray of L'ight Cancer Support Meet Our Team SUE NORRIS FOUNDER AND OPERATIONAL DIRECTOR Sue brings a wealth of experience from her background in social care. She supported both parents and other family ry)embers through their cancer diagnosis and at the time felt she was completely lost and isolated. What began as a small initiative has grown over rhe years into a registered charity, reaching and supporting many more beneficiaries and families affected by ancer. As the founder, Sue oversees the development and operational management of the Charity's services, ensuring they coniinue to meet the evolving needs of the commur)ity. REBECCA O'MAHONEY SENIOR PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR Rebecca is the Senior Project Co-ordinator and Project Leader for Amser l Mi at Ray of Light Cancer Support. She provides compassionate support to our beneficiaries by attending all support groups and volunteering at the Warblers choir sessions. Her role focuses on being a reliable presence for those facing the challenges of cancer, ensuring they feel supported and valued every step of the way. ANNE SWALLOW COMMUNITY PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR Anne joined Ray of Light as a volunteer during the Covid-19 pandemic, providing essential telephone support and delivering care pack tr(dy thjergtand Ule trourffy we tt on. ean t expregg hL>W it trt￿t to me. I highly recommeThl Pay of li9hL b8ged on the Count me in for the next one. for gurel Pogitive experience my Patient hag had. Deafiw with st•e 4 ig a dafftj thaffle￿. Iwt your 9rwP has l*en a fifdirf for IILLendiTrJ ywr 9ff￿p eaeh ujeek rwe Lo me th Lwrds expregg. I h8ve fwThl 8 uAfte I feel d Wted. In a vjrfl uthe￿ l often fed fihe an ￿tsIder. r gr(￿p is the w Ma(t vknre I fed t￿lY ￿rstoOd. Th8nl( y¢Ju for fvovi&iTrJ a gpace uthere l be rtygdf. where l Choose tD PartiTrVate or giTrlly giL ba(18nd Joy cor￿any. Vour hindncgs a￿1 hag made a uJor4d ol &if ferfnee in my Jouri I've logt mulLiPle fam11 y memberg to vancer. My SigLer. my father. gfdndParenLg. I h8d a 6reakdouJn. and my CP referred me Lo Pay of light. You re with likeminded Peome. you ￿d￿ relate Lo otherg. You don t have Lo L81k. you Q8n iugL listen. They re like 8 geeond f8mily Lo rrf! Chair's Report I have t>een very happy to have been part of the charity for another year, and this year I was thrilled to be voted Chair again at our AGM. It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of the charity since 2009 and to see the continuous growth over the last year. The services we have to offer continue to expand, and it is wonderful to see more and more people attending our support groups and enjoying the events we have to offer. The positive impact we have on the lives of those affected by cancer is something we can 811 be proud of, and it's heartening to witness the growing sense of community within our sessions. Looking ahead, l am excited to see what the next year brings for Ray of Light Vvales. I have full confidence in our ak)ility to continue developing and making a difference in the lives of many. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees for their continued hard work and commitment over the last year. A special thank you to Sue, 8ecci, Anne, Becky, and P(atie for their unwavering dedication to the organisation. I would also like to express my deep gratitude to our volunteers, whose support is integral to the success of Ray of Light. Together, we have achieved so much, and I look forward to what we will accomplish in the coming year! Sofia Sp8gnoli Chair A Year of Growth and Gralilude: Achievements in 2023/24 This year has been an incredible journey of growth, gratitude. and collaboration. With the amazing support of The National Lottery Community Fund Grant and through co-production with our beneficiaries. our Just ASH Project (Access, Support & Hindness) has created safe, welcoming spaces for beneficiaries and families affected by cancer. By listening to the voices of those we support, we've been able to shape our services to better meet their needs. We havereached 1,494 beneficiaries, a true reflection of the power of teamwork, compassion, and the dedication of our Staff, Volunteers, Funders, and Partners. Together, we've achieved so much and will continue to work with those who need us most. Highlights of theyear Family Events: This year, we have created heartfelt opportunities for families to come together, escape the challenges of their daily lives, and simply be with one another. Through trips, days out, and shared experiences, these moments have allowed families to create precious memories that will last a lifetime. For many, these events offered a rare chance to laugh, connect, and find joy in each other's company, reminding them of the strength and love that unites them, even during the most difficult times. Art Therapy and Arts & Crafts: These sessions provided participants with a creative outlet for self-expression and stress relief, both online and in-person at our weepily groups. Many shared how these moments of connection eased their stress and brought comfort. Weekly Holistic Therapies, Including Chair Yoga: Gentle and inclusive, these sessions nurtured both physical and emotional well- being. Participants described them as a "lifeline," offering calm, renewed energy, and the flexibility to join online when caring or other responsibilities made in- person attendance difficult. Connecting with Nature Groups: In the serene woodlands of Cynon Valley Organics, beneficiaries enjoyed 8 tranquil retreat filled with light activity, friendship, and -ME time." Time spent in nature helped them feel re-energised and supported by peers. The Ray of Light Warblers Choir: Weekly music sessions brought joy and harmony, culminating in a special recording for the Lleswyl Festival 2024, in partnership with Daring to Dream Charity. These sessions not or)ly lifted spirits but also fostered a deep sense of belonging and created lasting memories. Green Social Prescribing: Collaborating with Velindre Cancer Centre, we offered mindfulness and outdoor activities to help participants reconnect with nature. Many reported reduced anxiety, improved clarity, and moments of emotional balance. Telephone Befriending Service: For those unable to attend ir) person, this compassionate service provided a listening ear and emotional support. It proved to be a lifeline for many, reducing loneliness and fostering connection. Amser l Mi - Me Time Respite for Carers: Supported by Carers Trust, this initiative offered carers family events, retreats, and grants to recharge. Carers felt recognised. valued. and empowered to continue their caring roles with renewed strength. Winter Warm Hubs: As part of the RCT initiative, we provided a warm hub with a wholesome meal, we distributed winter care pacK