16th January 2025 by Clare Cox
We're delighted to that Greencoat’s North Hoyle Wind Farm Community Fund, operated by RWE, has awarded a generous £2,883 to support our Tea & Chat group in Rhyl, North Wales.
Launched in Rhyl in October 2024, this monthly initiative has become a vital opportunity for local people living with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer to meet up and receive support, as well as build vital friendships.
The North Hoyle Community Fund is now administered by Community and Voluntary Support Conwy, Grants and Funding Manager Esyllt Adair, who says: “This is a fantastic opportunity and we are working closely with local people to maximise the impact of this investment in our communities. The Tea & Chat initiative is such a meaningful way of, providing much-needed support and connection for those living with secondary breast cancer in the Rhyl area.
“We are really proud to work alongside charity Make 2nds Count to support the community of patients living in the area.”
The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Rhyl Create, Unit 6 White Rose Centre.
Danielle Robinson, from Kimnel Bay, near Rhyl, shares her thoughts on why she decided to host the group: “I was diagnosed de novo (where the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body at the time of diagnosis – in my case, the liver) in August 2023, just before my 36th birthday. The news was a huge shock. My little boy was just 5 years old at the time.
“Although hearing the diagnosis felt devastating, I knew I needed to stay strong for my young son and maintain a sense of normalcy. But living in a rural area like Kinmel Bay, I found the experience incredibly isolating, with no local support for people in my position.
“That’s when I discovered Make 2nds Count, they welcomed me with open arms, and their retreats and resources gave me hope. Becoming an Ambassador for the charity has allowed me to give back, and this group in Rhyl is such a critical resource for those facing similar challenges. Through Tea & Chat, we’re creating a space where people feel comfortable, supported, and heard. It’s about more than just talking; it’s about crafting, learning new skills, finding joy in the little things, and most importantly – knowing that you are never alone in this."
Samantha Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, adds: “A diagnosis of secondary breast cancer can be isolating, especially for those in rural areas. That’s why initiatives like Tea & Chat are so important, they provide a lifeline for patients to connect, share their experiences, and build supportive relationships. Thanks to the generosity of Greencoat’s North Hoyle Wind Farm Community Fund, we’re able to bring this vital resource to Rhyl and ensure that no one in the local community feels alone on their journey.”
To learn more about Tea & Chat Rhyl or to attend a session, please visit:
https://make2ndscount.co.uk/support/community/tea-and-a-chat/tea-and-a-chat-rhyl
To learn more about Tea & Chat initiatives across the UK, please visit:
https://make2ndscount.co.uk/support/community-support-events