Neil, 27, diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016. Supported our Universal Credit campaign in 2018.
Today marks World Cancer Day. This day draws attention to the impact of cancer on the lives of the 2.5 million people currently living with it in the UK.
At Macmillan, we understand the many ways a cancer diagnosis can affect your life. Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you. One way we do this is through our campaigning. We find out what matters to people affected by cancer, and fight for the best deal for them.
In this, we rely on the amazing support of Macmillan’s campaigners. Campaigners amplify our message by supporting calls for action, taking part in events, or contacting their local MP.
We’re preparing for a busy year ahead. There will be lots of political changes, and we are going to provide new and different ways for you to raise your voice.
So, what does the next year hold?
The newly-announced Universal Credit pilot
In early January, the Government delayed its plan to move more than 26,000 people claiming certain benefits onto Universal Credit. Instead, they will run a smaller pilot later in the year, before giving Parliament the final decision. We welcome this change, but there is still much to do to improve the new system. People with cancer must be protected when they claim Universal Credit. Read more on what the Government needs to fix.
This year, our priority will be making this message heard loud and clear. We will do this in the lead up to and during the pilot, and for the thousands of people who have already moved onto Universal Credit. We will keep doing this until the fundamental problems are addressed.
Join us this year to amplify our message that the Government must fix Universal Credit. Start by emailing your MP to raise concerns around Universal Credit with Sarah Newton MP, Minister of State for Disabled People, Health and Work.
Funding and training the NHS workforce
At Macmillan, we know specialist cancer staff have a crucial role in a person’s diagnosis and care. We also know the detrimental impact of not having this support available. This is why we put so much emphasis on providing timely care focused on individual needs.
Looking ahead, we know continuing to do this will be challenging. The number of people living with cancer in the UK is estimated to increase to 4 million by 2030. Many people will live longer after their initial diagnosis, and with other complex care needs. This change will increase pressure on staff and make personalised care harder to achieve.
To respond to this, we need sustainable investment in the supply and training of nurses, doctors, and support workers. Throughout 2019, we will champion this call to ensure the NHS workforce can provide world class cancer care. The needs of people living with cancer must be met both today and in the future.
What next for Duty of Care?
In 2017, 20,000 of you signed Nurse Miranda’s letter to UK finance calling for a legal Duty of Care. This would make banks and other financial services give the right support to help customers manage the financial cost of cancer.
In 2018, the Financial Control Authority (FCA), who regulate the actions of financial service firms, held a consultation on whether a Duty of Care was needed and what it might look like. Many of Macmillan’s campaigners had their say on what they wanted to see.
Over the next few months we expect to hear about the outcomes and next steps from this consultation. We will keep you updated on what happens next, and how you will be able to help.
Taking action for end of life care
Macmillan believes that every person approaching the end of their life should be able to have honest conversations about their care, wishes, and preferred place to die. Sadly, too often this is not the case. Due to lack of specialised training and awareness of the need for these early conversations, many people do not get the support they need.
In the new NHS England long-term plan, end of life care has been prioritised. It highlights the need for everyone at the end of life to have a care plan that captures what they want. It also calls for more training for NHS staff, so they can support people through these honest conversations.
These commitments represent significant progress and reflect what Macmillan has been calling for. We will hold the Government to account on its promises to make improved care a reality for everyone at the end of their life. Find out more about what Macmillan was calling for as part of NHS England's long-term plan.
Finally, a new look for our campaigning material
To support all this work, we want to make sure that the way we campaign is engaging, relevant and inspiring. So, over the coming months you will start to see some changes to the way that we communicate with you. We’ll be updating our emails and newsletters and provide new resources and ways to campaign both nationally and in your local area.
We’d love to know what you think and will be reaching out to you for your thoughts, feedback and opinions along the way.
If you have any questions about Macmillan's campaigning work or any of the campaigns mentioned above then please contact us campaigns@macmillan.org.uk.
