Chris Lewis is an international cancer blogger and patient from London. Here, he highlights the importance of getting support in an accessible way, as the Macmillan Mobile Cancer Information and Support Service arrives at his home city at the end of the month. Follow Chris’s blog at chris-cancercommunity.blogspot.co.uk or find him tweeting @christheeagle1.
Not Alone is a campaign Macmillan Cancer Support is running. If you’re affected in any way by cancer, you’ll understand the meaning of it. Even though you may have family and friends around, offering their valuable support, there are times when you can feel very lonely.
Things are changing rapidly in the healthcare sector, and to complement the more traditional methods of support, there are new ways of providing services, including the use of social media and mobile information services, making facilities more convenient for people.
If you have any issues or concerns at all involving cancer, how about popping along to a mobile support service in your area and talking to a professional, in private, completely free of charge, with no need to even make an appointment? That’s what the Macmillan Mobile Cancer Information and Support Service are there for. They tour the UK to bring high-quality cancer information and personal support to you. Last year, they reached 58,260 people across the country. You can find upcoming dates and locations at macmillan.org.uk/mobileinfo
Upcoming visits
London, Anglia and the South East of England
Tuesday 21 May and Wednesday 22 May, Lewisham
Outside the entrance to Lewisham Shopping Centre
Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 7EP
10.30am–4.30pm
Thursday 23 May and Friday 24 May, Croydon
Outside Barclays Bank
1 North End, London, CR9 1SX
10.00am–4.00pm
Swindon, England
Monday 21 May–Friday 24 May
Indoor information and support zone
Brunel Shopping Centre, Canal Street entrance, Swindon
9am–5.30pm
Edinburgh, Scotland
Wednesday 22 May and Thursday 23 May
Edinburgh City Centre, Castle Street, EH2 4AA
10am–6pm
Friday 24 May
Edinburgh City Centre, 124 High Street (the bottom of Royal Mile), EH1 1QS
10am–1pm
Saturday 25 May
Edinburgh Marathon, Dynamic Earth Edinburgh 5k & 10k, Holyroad Road, EH8 8AS
8am–12.30pm
Sunday 26 May
Edinburgh Marathon, Pinkie School, 44 Pinkie Road, Musselburgh, EH21 7HA
9am–4pm
East Midlands, England
Monday 20 May
Kettering Town Centre, Clock Tower, Gold Street, NN16
10am–4pm
Tuesday 21 May
Market Harborough Town Centre, The Square, LE16 7PA
10am–4pm
Wednesday 22 May
Northampton Town Centre, 84-86 Abington Street, NN1 2AP
10am–4pm
“No one should face cancer alone and a service such as ours means support is available nearby. We visit town and city centres across the region and we’re here for people who have had a cancer diagnosis, carers, friends, or anyone with worries, questions or concerns. The service is free, confidential and no appointment is necessary – just step on board.”
Tracy Neill, Macmillan Information Specialist – Macmillan Mobile Cancer Information and Support Service.
Research by Macmillan shows that one in four people diagnosed with cancer in the UK lack support from family or friends during their treatment and recovery. It’s Macmillan’s aim to be there for everyone hit with the news they have cancer, and their loved ones.
If you’re unable to visit the mobile information service but need information about cancer, contact Macmillan.
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Keep in touch Follow Macmillan’s cancer information team on Twitter @mac_cancerinfo
