Shropshire scheme offering help to cope with cancer
New Macmillan ‘Living Well’ sessions created to help and support those affected by cancer are being launched in Shropshire next month.
The sessions are free and will be held at community venues across the county from February until December – with bookings now being taken.
They are part of the Macmillan living with and beyond cancer programme, a £350,000 Macmillan-funded project in partnership with The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which aims to enable and empower patients to recover as fully as possible and to live well with cancer throughout their treatment and beyond.
The events have been specifically designed to help those affected by cancer, as well as helping family and friends get the support they need during and after cancer treatment.
They have been developed in response to extensive patient and family feedback, which showed the need for more practical and personal information and support.
A number of topics will be discussed at the sessions to help participants cope better with issues such as fatigue, nutrition, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.
There will also be signposting of local services such as the Macmillan information support centres at the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal hospitals and the Macmillan welfare and benefits service; as well as self-help ideas and tips from other people affected by cancer, who will be there to share their experiences.
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The first session will be held at Palmers, Claremont Street, Shrewsbury, on February 8, from 1pm to 5pm. The Wakes in Oakengates will host the next session on March 18, from noon to 4pm. On April 1, there will be another session at Mayfair Community Centre, Easthope Road, Church Stretton, running from noon to 4pm.
Edith Macalister, Macmillan living with and beyond cancer programme lead, based at Sath, said: “The Living Well sessions are aimed at supporting people with cancer to do more to help themselves so that they can begin to get some control back in their lives.
“The sessions are in an informal and friendly environment. There are plenty of breaks, light refreshments and opportunities to chat and share experiences.”
The living with and beyond cancer programme is hosted by Sath in collaboration with Telford and Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, Shropshire CCG, Powys Health Board, Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.
For more information or to book a place on the Living Well sessions, contact Leah Morgan, Macmillan living with and beyond cancer programme manager, at leah.morgan2@nhs.net or telephone 01743 492424.
Visit macmillan.org.uk
