Vital cancer support available

Macmillan Cancer Support has moved its vital support services online and onto phone helplines to continue to support patients during the coronavirus lockdown.

The charity usually provides in-person help with emotional, financial and practical matters in its information hubs at venues including libraries, hospitals and homes in Monklands and across North and South Lanarkshire.

Now its advice is being made available via phone and email, thanks to the efforts of staff plus partners NHS Lanarkshire and North and South Lanarkshire councils – with advisers giving reassurances that all their usual support remains in place.

Craig Tobin, who manages Macmillan’s projects in Lanarkshire, said:“Cancer is very tough at the best of times, but right now people are trying to cope with the illness during a time of great uncertainty.

“This is often without being able to see their friends and family for comfort – it’s heartbreaking to think of people trying to cope with the worry cancer brings while selfisolating, possibly on their own.

“We want them to know that although we can’t see them in person, we’re still here to support them and all the emotional, practical and financial support we offered before is still here, just on the end of the phone or online.”

Service user Ann Court said:“I was very well taken care of physically at the hospital but this service made me realise how much the situation had affected me emotionally.

“I’m a very positive person but it’s nice to have someone to talk to, and it’s so lovely that Macmillan check up on me.

“Anytime I’m feeling ill, it’s Macmillan I contact – they’re my support along with my family and friends and have made a huge difference to how I cope every day.”

She added of Macmillan’s support: “I tell everyone in a similar situation to me all about them in hope that they reach out.”

The charity’s Lanarkshire service – including benefits advice to help people claim government support they’re due as well as help with housing issues – are available by emailing macmillan@culturenl.co.uk or calling 01698 332631.

Macmillan’s UK-wide support line can be contacted on 0808 808 0000 from 9am to 5pm seven days a week, while the charity’s website at macmillan.org.uk includes a busy online community.