Charity fears cancer could be forgotten
FoodTrainset tohelpouthere
A charity which has ensured older people forced into isolation during the coronavirus lockdown have not gone without critical shopping supplies is expanding its lifeline services into South Lanarkshire.
Food Train, which has in recent weeks seen unprecedented national demand for its work to help over-65s who are unable to manage independently - is encouraging people to register for a new home shopping service.
Food Train Connects will match volunteers with older people who need help getting their weekly groceries on a one-toone basis.
It is a move which the charity hopes will be of benefit in expanding the reach of its work to communities across South Lanarkshire where it does not currently have a physical branch covering the region.
It is working with third sector contacts in the area to support matching those who sign up for shopping with volunteer shoppers.
Morna O’May, Food Train Connects National Development Officer, said: “The demand from older people needing help with their shopping has never been greater because of the restrictions which have had to be put in place because of COVID-19 and our volunteers are making a real difference to lives by getting support to those who need it.
“That is why we want to expand our operation to places including South Lanarkshire and believe Food Train Connects is the ideal way to do this.”
To find out about how Food Train Connects could help you or someone you know, email shopping@thefoodtrain. co.uk or call 0800 3047924. To register as a volunteer, go to www.thefoodtrain.co.uk.
FRASER WILSON
A leading charity has warned of the potential cancer‘timebomb’ created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Macmillan issued the stark warning this week, saying they feared the disease would become the “forgotten C”.
And it comes as official figures show the number of people dying from cancer in Scotland is already five per cent higher than average since the UK lockdown began.
Now they are calling on the Scottish Government to use the health secretary’s statement next week to set out clear plans for restoring cancer care.
Janice Malone from Macmillan said: “People with cancer need answers on when their treatment will restart and how it will do so safely.
“We also need to know when screening will get back up and running and how the government plans to counteract the significant drop in urgent GP referrals.
“Cancer can’t be allowed to become the forgotten C. We urgently need a plan from the government that sets out how it will get the cancer care system back up and running and how those who missed tests, diagnoses and treatments will be prioritised.”
The charity says COVID-19 has caused huge disruption to cancer care across Scotland, affecting diagnosis, treatment, and care for tens of thousands of people.
That has created fears of a possible increase in the number of people dying from cancer caused by a predicted build-up of those waiting for treatment, together with fewer people being seen for suspected cancer due to coronavirus
Macmillan’s analysis and the Scottish Government’s own figures suggest almost 600 cancers will have gone undiagnosed if screening, paused on March 30, doesn’t resume by the end of June.
Earlier this month the government said urgent referrals had improved, but were still nearly 50 per cent lower than normal.
Macmillan say they have seen a rise in demand for a number of its services and has launched new virtual ones to prevent people with cancer from falling through the cracks.
However, facing an income loss of up to 50 per cent for this year, they are now appealing to the public for funds.
To join Macmillan’s campaign or donate to Macmillan’s emergency fundraising appeal visit macmillan. org.uk.