Posted on 13th Jun
People affected by cancer were among those who attended the official opening of a new Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre in Newark — the first of its kind in the country.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide the service at the YMCA Community and Activity Village on Lord Hawke Way.
It is the first Macmillan centre based in a community setting, rather than in a hospital, and is already welcoming a range of people affected by the disease.
Service user Andrea Ellis cut the ribbon to declare the centre officially, joined by the chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support Gemma Peters, and representatives from Sherwood Forest Hospitals and the YMCA.
Andrea Murphy, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support service lead at the health trust said: “The official opening is another milestone in our journey to improve access to high-quality cancer information and support for local people affected by cancer.
“Our aim is to support people’s physical, social, emotional, financial and practical wellbeing under the one roof. We really hope that by visiting us, people’s experience of cancer will be more positive.”
The event included information stalls from partner organisations Self Help UK, Macmillan Beyond Diagnosis, Primary Integrated Community Services Social Prescribing, Central Nottinghamshire Citizens Advice, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Cancer psychology team, Aderans Trendco wig providers, and Notts County Foundation’s Cancer and Rehabilitation Exercise (CARE) programme. Representatives from Newark and Sherwood District Council, Relate Nottinghamshire, Newark Primary Care Network and NHS Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board also attended.
The new service, which offers support to anyone affected by cancer, is designed to provide information and support close to home, in a friendly and welcoming community setting.
After cutting the ribbon, Andrea Ellis said: “People who are affected by cancer have shared experiences and being in a venue like this rather than in a hospital, you are more likely to have a conversation with someone in a similar position who understands what you are going through.”
Naseem Akhtar, another service user, added: “A service like this provides the comfort and safety to know that somebody is here to answer any concerns I may have — the support and advice they provide is invaluable. If they don’t know the answer, they know someone who does. It’s like a one-stop shop.”
Gemma added: “This project is the result of many years of work with our partners at Sherwood Forest Hospitals and the service is already demonstrating that bringing cancer support closer to where people live makes a big difference to them being able to access the support they need.”
The centre, which is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4pm, offers drop-in services and appointments for personalised support. There is also a growing timetable of sessions and events such as walking groups, craft and chat groups, Look Good Feel Better sessions, as well as bespoke workshops around the impact of cancer and carer support groups.
People can contact the service on 01636 681681 ext 5936 or call 07553 726425 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, call the Macmillan Support Line, which is available seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm on 0808 8080000 or go to macmillan.org.uk
