We offer a free confidential service, and can provide you with the time and privacy to discuss your non-medical concerns and worries.
Our holistic approach means we are happy to discuss a wide range of issues including finance, work and employment, emotional and mental health matters such as fears and uncertainties. Practical concerns such as coping at home, travel, pet care and filling in forms. We also provide information regarding lasting power of attorney, will writing and preferred place of care.
We aim to:
- listen and provide comfort in times of distress and uncertainty
- help you identify specific needs and work with you to resolve any issues
- signpost you to support, such as community groups, art and craft sessions, activity groups and psychological services and cancer specific events
- empower and inform you to enable you to live well and feel that someone has your back throughout your cancer care journey and beyond
Tori Crotty
Macmillan Lead Cancer Information and Support Manager, North Cumbria
Stephanie Connell
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager
We have a drop in pod in the atrium of the Cumberland Infirmary. The pod is manned by our trained volunteers who are here to listen to you and assess how best we can help.
We also have a private, confidential space to discuss concerns with you and your family. Please drop in, call us or email us to make an appointment.
This service operates from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm
Contact us on 01228 814283 or email us on cancerinformation@ncic.nhs.uk
Our service relies on volunteers, therefore these opening times may change from time to time. Please call ahead to make sure we are open before you make a trip to see us.
We are currently working hard to provide a drop in service at West Cumberland Hospital. This service is likely to open in Spring 2025.
We currently provide a face to face service in Workington Library, every other Thursday afternoon. Please get in touch to book an appointment.
What is the HOPE Course?
HOPE stands for Help Overcoming Problems Effectively. It is a 6 week course, of 2.5hr weekly sessions for people who have completed treatment for a cancer diagnosis.
Who is HOPE for?
HOPE is for anyone who has completed their cancer treatment and struggling to get back to normal life. Life can look very different after cancer, so this course is designed to provide support with this transition. It is for patients who have been treated curatively and are on surveillance/monitoring/long term hormone treatment following the completion of their active cancer treatment
What does it involve?
The sessions will be led by two trained health professionals from the Macmillan Service. The sessions will be in small groups, all people attending in the same situation. You are encouraged to share as much or as little of your own experiences as you’d like.
Where will the sessions be?
We have courses running at:
- Morton Manor in Carlisle from Wednesday 23rd July to 27th August
- Settlement in Maryport from Wednesday 24th September to 29th October
To book into a course or for more information, please contact us.
Look Good, Feel Better has been paused due to volunteer recruitment from the charity and it will hopefully relaunch in Autumn 2025
Look Good, Feel Better as sessions for women who have had a cancer diagnosis. Every workshop offers an invaluable opportunity to talk to others in a similar situation, whilst helping support people with their changing appearance. People leave our workshops feeling empowered, motivated and less isolated – allowing them to feel more confident during their cancer journey.
Book your Look Good Feel Better session or contact us.
This list is up to date, but not exhaustive of support available in the region.
If you would like to be referred into any of the local support groups, please get in touch. Cancer Care Map is a great resource to find local support. You can use this link to access the website to search for support in your area – Cancer Care Map
Carlisle
- Blood Buddies – a group for anyone affected by a blood cancer
- Breast Cancer Support Group – for anyone with primary breast cancer
- Carlisle Bowel Cancer Support Group – anyone affected by bowel cancer
- Hospice at Home Peer Support Group – for those with a life limiting illness
- Living with and Beyond Cancer Support Group, Carlisle – anyone affected by any cancer
- Prostate Cancer Support Group – for anyone affected by prostate cancer
- Tea and Chat. Supporting Secondary Breast Cancer Patients
Penrith
- 5K Your Way – Parkrun, Penrith
- Blue Windmill Support Group, Penrith
Seascale
- West Cumbria Breast Cancer Support Group – Busom Buddies – for anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis
Whitehaven
- Breast Foot Forward – for anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis
- Stronger Together – meet monthly, for anyone affected by cancer
- West Cumbria Breast Cancer Support Group – Busom Buddies
- Westlakes Prostate Support Group – for anyone affected by prostate cancer or prostate issues
Egremont
- Blue Windmill Cancer Support group
Wigton
- Wigton Cancer Support Group
Workington
- Blue Windmill Cancer Support group
We are launching a series of supportive craft sessions for anyone affected by cancer. The sessions will foster a safe and supportive environment with professional and peer support to enable supportive conversation and assistance with any aspects of your life that are affected by cancer.
Materials will be provided and you will have the opportunity and time to enjoy a range of different crafts from cross-stich to sewing to basic woodwork. You do not need to have any previous experience to be able to engage with these sessions.
The session are for anyone affected by cancer. This includes cancer patients, loved ones, family members, friends, and carers.
Upcoming sessions:
Carlisle
iCan Wellbeing Centre - 10:30am until 1:30pm
- Tuesday 17th June
- Tuesday 15th July
- Tuesday 19th August
- Tuesday 16th September
- Tuesday 21st October
To book a session, please contact us on 01228 814283 or email cancerinformation@ncic.nhs.uk
We send out a monthly email that details upcoming supportive activity in North Cumbria for anyone affected by cancer.
Join the mailing list to get our monthly email
Anyone can join our mailing list whether you have cancer, you are supporting someone with cancer or you are a health professional working with people affected by cancer.
Please contact us on 01228 814283 or email us on cancerinformation@ncic.nhs.uk
Our operating hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.
We support anyone in North Cumbria affected by cancer.
If we are unavailable and you require support, the Macmillan National Support Line is available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm – 0808 808 00 00