May 2025
This newsletter aims to give you information about local supportive activities for anyone affected by cancer.
If you need support, please get it touch with the Macmillan Service, drop into our Pod at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle call us on 01228 814283 or email cancerinformation@ncic.nhs.uk and we can see how we can help
Recent Events
The Macmillan Information and Support Service is setting up a Hub at West Cumberland Hospital, to support anyone affected by cancer in West Cumberland. The reception desk in the old entrance of the hospital has been painted and a new floor laid.
We have recruited six new Macmillan Support Volunteers and the second training session took place at the end of May. Our volunteers have come from a wide variety of background and all have a mutual passion to help and support people. The training that they have undertaken provides an overview of cancer, cancer terminology, diagnosis and treatment and living with and beyond cancer. In the second session we looked at effective communication, active listening, how to demonstrate empathy verses sympathy. A good proportion of time was committed to group working, where we shared scenarios and real life situations that our volunteers may encounter in the Hub. The group discussion centred around; how we might start a conversation, acknowledging how actively listening can be so helpful to people and discussing what support and interventions we could provide.
We are really looking forward to bringing the volunteer team together to support and facilitate the Macmillan Cancer Support Service in West Cumberland.
Spotlight on a local support group: Westlakes Prostate Support Group, Whitehaven
Westlakes Prostate Support group was founded in January 2025 for any man with prostate cancer or prostate issues. The support group meets for a general chat, tea and biscuits and occasionally specialist speakers such as Citizen’s Advice, local MPs, Northern Cancer Voices and Cancer Specialists from the Cancer Centre. We also are starting to do some group activities such as a walk and talk group.
The group provides peer to peer support for any man at any stage of their prostate cancer journey including men with an enlarged prostate to men who are 4 years post treatment and beyond. We have open discussions about what we’ve been through and what others can expect on their journey. We have men from all walks of life, all ages, some retired, some still working. We usually have around 12 to 15 members that join each meeting.
Barry, one of the founding members said: "it’s nice to know that others have been through what I am going through. They’ve helped me so I can help others. ‘You’re not alone’ is our slogan, and that’s exactly how I feel."
Our meetings are held at New Life Church on Irish Street in Whitehaven. We meet on the first and third Friday of each month at 9:30am to 11:30am. If you’d like to come along, please get in touch and we’d be more than happy to have a chat about what to expect from our group and how we can support you. Please get in touch at westlakesprostate@gmail.com
Upcoming events
- Craft sessions – Carlisle - Tuesday 15th July, Tuesday 19th August, Tuesday 16th September, Tuesday 21st October
- HOPE Course - The HOPE Programme (which stands for Helping Overcoming Problems Effectively) is an evidenced-based programme that is designed for cancer patients who have completed treatment and who may be finding it difficult to live well and cope with the long-term effects of their cancer and its treatment.
The course is facilitated by trained Health Professionals from the Macmillan Information and Support Service at the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust and will take place over 6 weeks in weekly 2 and a half hour sessions. The course will cover topics such as managing fatigue, better sleep and goal setting. - Carlisle – Morton Manor – Wednesday 23rd July – Wednesday 27th August
- Maryport – venue to be confirmed – Wednesday 24th September – Wednesday 29th October