West Essex Macmillan Centre adapts at speed to offer virtual cancer support
As the people of West Essex follow the government’s advice to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives during the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis, a cancer support service is reaching out to people living with cancer with an offer of virtual support.
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, which provides support across West Essex, has had to rethink its service after face-to-face contact was ruled out during the pandemic.
The determined team at the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust have found safe ways to continue to support local people affected by cancer by using telephone appointments and email to continue many of their services. They continue to run a dedicated Facebook support group.
Being diagnosed with cancer is frightening at any time, but now as people are facing increased uncertainty, Macmillan’s services are more important than ever. Macmillan is funded almost entirely by public donations and is facing a significant drop in income, so is urging the public to donate to enable it to continue to provide its vital support services for people living with cancer.
Darshani Mistry, Macmillan Cancer Information Manager said “Despite the incredibly difficult and uncertain situation every one of us has found ourselves in, we knew how important it was to keep going and to be there for the people who depend on our support, now more than ever.
“We are receiving calls from people who are understandably anxious about how the coronavirus will affect their treatment and care. Having enough money to pay the bills and feed a family is a frequent worry for people living with cancer, but the economic impact of Covid-19 is pushing more people into a financial red zone than before.
“We can help take the weight off people’s shoulders by offering practical and emotional support, as well as benefits advice, but are also just here for a chat if everything’s getting too much. We can also put callers in touch with appropriate local services, like the Essex Welfare Service, which is supporting the local community during the coronavirus outbreak”
In 2019 alone, the Macmillan team helped around 5,000 people diagnosed with cancer to manage the daily impact of living with the disease. Working from their base in Harlow as part of the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, they ordinarily deliver services both out in the community and at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Sheona Evangeli, Macmillan Partnership Manager in Essex, said:
“In this unprecedented situation the way the teams at our local Macmillan services have adapted to ensure they are still able to support people is simply fantastic.
“At a time where Macmillan’s support is needed more than ever before, we are also facing a significant drop in our income and the truth is that we can’t continue to be there for people who need us without the support of the public. We are doing everything we can to help address the immediate and unique challenges that having cancer during this pandemic brings but we need support. Donations are vital to enable us to continue to be there for people living with cancer.”
Anyone affected by cancer in West Essex or the surrounding areas, can contact the West Essex Macmillan team by calling 01279 698673 (Monday-Friday, 9am — 5pm), or emailing westessex.cancerinformation@nhs.net.
The team runs a closed group on Facebook called ‘West Essex Cancer Support’ that local people affected by cancer can request to join and more information can be found on the EPUNFT website: www.eput.nhs.uk//our-services/west-essex/cancer-support/.
To donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/emergency or call 0300 1000 200.
- ENDS -
