Macmillan to hold event for people affected by cancer

Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre will be holding its second ‘Health and Wellbeing Event’ of the year on Thursday 12th September at the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport and anyone who has been affected by cancer, whether directly or through supporting someone is invited to come along.

The Centre, a joint partnership set up by Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is holding the event in partnership with Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, at the Royal Clifton Hotel from 2pm – 4.30pm.

On the day there will be around 40 local organisations, clinical nurse specialists and representatives from local support groups – all available to offer their expertise and help.

Volunteers from Sefton OPERA will be offering free complementary therapy tasters. Entertainment will be provided by the Macmillan singing group who will be inviting visitors to join in and learn for themselves just how therapeutic singing can be.

There will be a focus on the financial impact of having cancer with two breakout sessions hosted by staff from the Department of Work & Pensions and the Southport Money Advisory Group to discuss returning to work, benefits and debt management advice.

Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG cancer clinical lead, said: “These events are ideal for people to come along and meet others who have had a similar experience. It is always useful to share and the hope is that there may be an activity or group out there that suits an individual’s needs, so you might go away with an idea of what we can help you with. It’s a friendly and informative event and everyone is very welcome.”

Sonia Holdsworth, Macmillan Partnership Quality Lead for Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “We saw over 100 people at the last event in March and we hope to see even more this time, they are always a great success and the more people we can support the better.

“The feedback we get is that people enjoy meeting others they can chat to, whether that be other patients, clinical nurse specialists or someone from a support group. Many people who come to the Centre or one of our events have joined one of the support groups such as the walking, cycling or craft group, which they feel is another good way to meet others and get out and about during or after treatment.”

Elaine Deeming, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust’s lead cancer nurse, said: “We’re delighted to continue to build on the success of previous health and well-being clinics. The events provide access to the wide range of services available locally in one venue, making it easier for our attendees.”

The Health and Wellbeing Events aim to support people in adjusting to life with and beyond cancer by providing information on the wide range of services which are available locally as well as healthy living activities.

Anyone affected by cancer, either recently or in the past, as well as family and friends supporting others are welcome to book onto this free event.

The events are friendly and educational with the opportunity for visitors to chat to cancer nurse specialists, key organisations and support groups.

You can watch a video from a previous event here: https://youtu.be/jr4d9S3xRy4

The Health and Wellbeing events are free of charge and refreshments are provided, but booking is essential. To book onto the next event please call 01704 533024 or email: sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net.

For more information about the work of the Macmillan Information and Support Centre on Stanley Street in Southport, please see the website: www.southportmacmillancentre.org.uk