The launch of new cancer support sessions for British Sign Language users, their friends, family and support workers, are expected to be announced by a Norfolk cancer charity.

The sessions, which will be held at the King's Lynn Big C Centre, are due to be unveiled by the Big C at the Summer Deaf Festival, which is being held at The Forum in Norwich on Friday, July 14.

Taking place on the third Wednesday of every month, with the first taking place on July 19 from 10am to noon, it is hoped the sessions will make the charity's services more inclusive.

Tonia King, centre manager at King's Lynn Big C Centre said: 'The idea of specific cancer support for British Sign Language users developed from Big C supporting two profoundly deaf service users.

'Big C's aim is to be inclusive and access to health and well-being services can be difficult for people whose first language is British Sign Language. We wanted to ensure that they could access our support services easily, such as emotional support, welfare advice, complementary therapies, 'ask our nurse' sessions and specific cancer information.

'The sessions will also provide an opportunity for peer to peer support for those affected by cancer within the profoundly deaf community and provide cancer support and information for British Sign Language users who have family or friends affected by cancer, or who are bereaved through cancer.'

The Big C will also join forces with West Norfolk Deaf Association and Deaf Connexions who will be providing additional British Sign Language support at the sessions each month.

And plans are in place to also hold cancer support sessions for British Sign Language Users in Norwich from 2018. In the meantime, anyone able to travel is welcome at the King's Lynn sessions.

To learn more about the work Big C does to improve the lives of those affected by cancer in Norfolk and Waveney, please visit www.big-c.co.uk