About The Breast Friends & Lemon Aid
The Breast Friends CIC is a community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by breast cancer across the Isle of Wight.
Through its project, Lemon Aid, we provide a welcoming thrift store and support hub in Ryde, offering practical, emotional and social support in a friendly, non-clinical environment.
Lemon Aid brings people together through a combination of affordable shopping, drop-in support, and community-led initiatives including Sunshine Support Bags, supermarket vouchers, and transport to hospital appointments. We also promote breast cancer awareness, early detection, and healthier lifestyles through outreach within the local community.
Together, The Breast Friends and Lemon Aid aim to reduce isolation, ease financial pressures, and ensure that no one faces a cancer diagnosis alone.
Get Support
1
Lemon Aid Transport & Lift Service
Lemon Aid Transport Service provides practical support to individuals affected by breast cancer by helping them attend essential medical appointments. We offer volunteer-led lifts to breast appointments, chemotherapy at St Mary’s Hospital, and onward travel to the mainland for radiotherapy, reducing the stress and barriers that can come with accessing treatment. The service is designed to be friendly, flexible and supportive, ensuring people feel comfortable and cared for during what can be a difficult time. By providing reliable transport, we help individuals maintain their treatment schedules while also offering reassurance that they are not facing their journey alone. 💛
To Book email lemonaidiow@gmail.com
or call 07792218367 or pop into our hub and we will be happy to help.
2
Sunshine Support Bag & Essentials Voucher
Our Sunshine Support Bags and Essentials Vouchers are available to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, offering practical support during what can be a challenging time. These are designed to provide a little help and comfort, whether through everyday essentials or support with food costs. There is no referral needed—simply pop into our shop at 138 High Street, Ryde (top of the high street, opposite the church) to access support. We just ask that you bring proof of address and a medical letter. Our aim is to make support as accessible, welcoming and straightforward as possible, ensuring that anyone affected by cancer can receive help when they need it most. 💛
To request support for yourself or someone you know, call into our hub at 138 High Street, Ryde or drop us an email on lemonaidiow@gmail.com
There are also packs and vouchers available in the Chemotherapy Unit at St Mary's Hospital
3
Little Box of Love
Our Little Boxes of Love are thoughtfully created care packages donated to the Breast Unit at St Mary’s Hospital for patients who have just received a breast cancer diagnosis. We understand how overwhelming that moment can be, so each box is designed to offer comfort, reassurance and a reminder that they are not alone. Filled with carefully chosen items, these boxes provide both practical support and a small act of kindness at a very difficult time. Through this initiative, we aim to bring a little light and warmth to newly diagnosed patients, showing that there is a supportive community standing beside them from the very beginning of their journey. 💛
Little boxes of love are in our hub at 138 High Street, Ryde or are given out in the Applegate Breast Unit at St Mary's Newport.
My
Story
My journey to creating The Breast Friends and Lemon Aid comes from my own experience with breast cancer and understanding first-hand how overwhelming and isolating it can feel. I saw how much of a difference even small acts of kindness, support and connection can make during such a difficult time. I wanted to create something that I felt was missing—a welcoming, non-clinical space where people could come as they are, have a chat, feel understood, and access practical support without barriers.
From that, Lemon Aid was created as a community thrift shop and support hub in Ryde, bringing people together through affordable shopping, coffee, and genuine connection. Alongside this, we provide Sunshine Support Bags, vouchers, transport to appointments, and donate Little Boxes of Love to newly diagnosed patients at St Mary’s Hospital.
Everything we do is about making sure no one feels alone and that support is always there when it’s needed most. 💛
Get to Know Lemon Aid Thrift Boutique & Coffee & Support Spot
Lemon Aid, part of The Breast Friends CIC, is a community-driven thrift store and support hub based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
We are dedicated to supporting individuals affected by breast cancer and other long-term illnesses by providing a warm, welcoming and non-clinical space where people can connect, access practical help, and feel understood. We have a small coffee & Support Spot where individuals and friends and family can pop in and sit and chat or relax for a while.
Through our shop, we raise funds to deliver vital services including Sunshine Support Bags, supermarket vouchers, transport to hospital appointments, and the donation of Little Boxes of Love to newly diagnosed patients at St Mary’s Hospital. Alongside this, we promote breast cancer awareness, early detection and healthier lifestyles through community outreach. Everything we do is centred around reducing isolation, easing financial pressures, and ensuring no one faces cancer alone. 💛
Meet the Team
The team behind Lemon Aid and The Breast Friends CIC is passionate, dedicated and deeply rooted in the community. Sammi, Founder and Director, leads the organisation with lived experience and a strong commitment to ensuring no one faces cancer alone. She is supported by Directors Mike and Victoria, who bring valuable experience, guidance and a shared vision for growing community support and impact. Jai, our Health Champion and Barista, plays a key role in creating a welcoming environment within the shop, supporting visitors, promoting health awareness, and helping deliver our day-to-day services. Together, the team works to provide a friendly, supportive space where people feel comfortable, valued and connected. 💛
Whats On at Lemon Aid
There’s always something happening at Lemon Aid, with a range of activities designed to bring people together and offer support in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Our weekly Sunshine Sessions take place on Wednesdays and Fridays, providing a friendly drop-in space where you can enjoy a chat, a coffee and connect with others who understand. Alongside this, we host wellbeing events and community activities throughout the year, focused on supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing. Whether you’re looking for support, connection, or simply a warm and friendly place to spend time, there’s always something going on at Lemon Aid. 💛
Lemon Aid by The Breast Friends of Hants & Isle of Wight CIC is a dedicated community interest company committed to supporting local individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Our mission is to provide compassionate assistance, resources, and a supportive network for those navigating their diagnosis. We believe in fostering hope and resilience within our community, ensuring no one faces their journey alone. Together, we aim to and uplift those affected by breast cancer through shared experiences and.
Discover the delightful surprises that await inside our little boxes of love! Each box is carefully curated with a selection of unique products designed to bring joy and warmth to your day. From charming trinkets to thoughtful gifts, there’s something special for everyone. Unbox the love and treat yourself or someone you care about!
Supporting You
Join us in our mission to provide vital support to those affected by a breast cancer diagnosis on the Isle of Wight. Consider sponsoring a Little Box of Love or making a monthly donation. Your support truly makes a in the lives of those in need. Together, we can spread hope and kindness in our community.
At Lemon Aid by The Breast Friends of the Isle of Wight CIC we are here to offer comfort, connection, and practical support to anyone affected by cancer. From the moment of diagnosis and throughout treatment and recovery, we provide a safe and welcoming space where individuals and families can access emotional support, friendly conversation, wellbeing sessions, practical essentials, lift support to appointments, and community-led events designed to reduce isolation. Our aim is to lighten the load during difficult times, helping people feel less alone, more informed, and empowered with the support of others who truly understand their journey.
Contact Us
Address
138 High Street
Ryde
Isle of Wight
(top high street opposite the church)
PO33 2RJ
Contact
07792218367 or 07415306982
email - lemonaidiow@gmail.com
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri
10am - 3pm
www.thebreastfriendsofhantsandisleofwight.org
FB- Lemon Aid by The Breast Friends of Hants & IOW CIC
Instagram - thebreastfriendsiow
Saturday
10am - 1pm
​Sunday
Closed
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