On Saturday, November 25, the Cancer Concern Association (CCA) treated the Ministry of Health’s oncology team to a rejuvenating self-care retreat at the Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa. This event marked caregivers’ month on the cancer calendar, celebrating the dedication and hard work of those who provide care to cancer patients.
The retreat welcomed 18 participants, including doctors, nurses, nurse assistants, and ward pharmacists. The day began with a self-care session, followed by relaxing massages at the spa. Participants then enjoyed lunch, relaxation time by the pool, and a cocktail hour featuring live entertainment by the popular singer Emmanuel Marie.
Margaret Moumou, a life coach and workshop facilitator from Enia Event, led the self-care session. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of caregivers. “The people in the profession of care give everything, including their heart, body, mind, and soul, to those they are caring for. But this is not truly recognized. So when I was approached by Cancer Concern Association, I thought it would be a good time to celebrate them,” shared Mrs. Moumou.
The session began with caregivers discussing their roles and how they are perceived by others. They spoke about their passion for their work and the challenges they face, including stress and the impact on their personal lives.
The oncology team discussed the impact of their work on their health and personal relationships, noting both the challenges and the rewards, especially when patients recover. Mrs. Moumou highlighted that stress and a lack of alignment between work and home can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue, negatively impacting the quality of care.
In response, the group brainstormed ideas to address these stresses and emphasized the importance of self-care. They explored practices for physical well-being, such as adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, as well as emotional care strategies like fostering gratitude, emotional regulation, and assertive communication. They also discussed the importance of spiritual self-care, including connecting with a higher power, embracing self-empathy, and allowing oneself grace.
The retreat provided a valuable opportunity for caregivers to reflect on their experiences and share their challenges. Dinaz Van Der Lans, Chairperson of CCA, commented on the positive feedback from the participants, saying, “The treat was well appreciated by all, and CCA thanks all caregivers in the country who work with passion, patience, and care for the needy.”
Participants expressed their gratitude, noting that the retreat helped them connect, understand each other’s roles better, and feel reenergized. They look forward to more sessions in the future and appreciate CCA’s ongoing support.
The CCA remains committed to supporting caregivers and plans to continue organizing such events to promote well-being and teamwork. The accompanying photos highlight some memorable moments from the retreat.
