Community News - Macmillan Online Community

How can Macmillan help me? A guide to getting support for World Cancer Day 2024

World Cancer Day – knowledge is power Sunday 4 February is World Cancer Day , an annual event designed to raise awareness of cancer-related issues across the globe. By highlighting the challenges that people with a cancer diagnosis face, and by advocating for continual improvement in cancer information, treatment, and care, World Cancer Day aims to help get cancer issues prioritised by governments and healthcare bodies alike. The 2024 World Cancer Day theme is 'Close the care gap'. There are many complex factors that contribute to unequal outcomes for people with cancer across the globe. Perhaps the most fundamental barrier to getting support is also the most obvious – if you don’t know what support is available, you aren’t going to be able to take advantage of it! Spreading knowledge…

Matthew - Online Community Team
Sharing comfort tips with the Community - what's on your wish list?

What would you put on your comfort wish-list if you were to share it today? You might be looking for something to help with side effects of chemo or other cancer treatment . You could be looking for the best gift to let someone know you’re thinking about them when they’re having a difficult time with cancer. Or perhaps you just need some new ideas when prioritising self-care . It can be really helpful to be able to share information and ideas. In this Community News Blog, we're sharing top tips from across the Community and inviting you to share your own. Lots of people find it can help to be prepared when you're going for tests or going through cancer treatment . In this recent Community News Blog , we shared members tips and lists about what to pack for your hospital visit or stay.…

Steph - Online Community Team
The Online Community can be a part of your social prescription

The Online Community can be a part of your social prescription. Read this blog to help build your own social support plan. Did you know that some medical professionals will prescribe social interaction to support your mental health and overall wellbeing? NHS England says that: “Social prescribing is a key component of Universal Personalised Care. It is an approach that connects people to activities, groups, and services in their community to meet the practical, social, and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.” Read more on the NHS information pages about how social prescribing schemes work. The Online Community can help meet your practical, social, and emotional needs and this blog will share details of how we can help. We can connect you with others who share similar…

Megan- Online Community Team
A day in life as a Macmillan Telephone Buddy- Carol’s experience

Carol, one of the Macmillan Buddy volunteers is sharing her experience and inviting us into a usual day as a Macmillan Buddy. Carol also tells us why she signed up to be a Macmillan volunteer and what the role looks like day to day. If you are considering signing up for support from a Macmillan Buddy or signposting someone to this service, this blog will be useful for you to read. Carol's experience My name is Carol and I’ve been a Telephone Buddy for several years. Before the pandemic, I volunteered at my local Macmillan Centre but, when it became impossible to see patients and families face to face, I applied to be a Telephone Buddy. The Macmillan Buddy Service provides emotional and practical support to people living with cancer for up to 12 sessions. To receive this support, anyone…

Megan- Online Community Team
Accessing peer support in a different way- Macmillan Buddies: what is it and how to get support

Here on the Online Community, we see every day how helpful if can be to access peer support and connect with your online friends who share similar experiences. Sometimes people look for face to face connections and support which is what the Macmillan Buddies service can provide. Macmillan Buddies is a fantastic resource for supporting people with cancer and Danny, one of Macmillan’s Volunteering Delivery Leads, is sharing some information with us today about how the Macmillan Buddy service can support you. Read this blog to better understand the support they can offer and how to submit a referral. Going through the cancer journey can be a scary and sometimes lonely time. It can be hard to talk to family and friends about how we are feeling and difficult to absorb all the information being…

Megan- Online Community Team
Catching up with the Soft Tissues Sarcoma Forum

A cancer diagnosis can have a huge impact on you and your life, whether it’s your diagnosis or a loved one’s diagnosis. When you are diagnosed with a rare cancer, you may feel even more isolated. It can really help to find other people who understand how you feel and may have been through a similar experience. As part of Sarcoma Awareness Month this July, we want to highlight the Soft tissues sarcomas forum . This is a safe place to talk to other people, share experiences and find support. We want to help you find support if you or a loved one are impacted by soft tissue sarcoma. In this Community News blog, we’re going to feature some recent discussions from the forum and show you the topics that members talk about. Remember you can click the links underneath each post to go to the discussion…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Cervical Screening Awareness Week - how the Online Community can help

It's Cervical Screening Awareness week (17-23 June 2024) and in this recent article Macmillan have answered some frequently asked questions about cervical screening. With nearly 1 in 3 not attending their cervical screening test we also want to share where to find information and support if you’re worried about cervical screening or your screening results. It can be helpful to share any worries you have around cervical screening. You could talk to someone you know, to your GP or practise nurse. You can also chat anonymously with people here on the Online Community. Many Online Community members have talked about their fears around cervical screening, especially when they have been referred for further tests. "I had a routine smear this morning. After the nurse had finished she said…

Steph - Online Community Team
Feeling the need to scream and shout?

Did you know that today is known as National Scream Day? Who knew such a thing existed? It got us thinking about how helpful it can be to have a place to express how you are feeling. The Online Community is a safe space for you to talk about how you are coping with people who can understand what you are going through. "Well done for letting it out - we all need somewhere to let rip - you are in the right place - go for it... At the end of the day - there's always someone here for you - if you need that little bit of "extra help" you know where we are." Community member, 'This is pants' discussion thread, The Room Screaming is often associated with letting go of negative emotions and talking about how you feel when you are worried, stressed, sad and angry. Expressing…

Megan- Online Community Team
Support when you come home from hospital

When you come home from hospital after cancer treatment or surgery, you may need ongoing support. It can be hard to know what to expect. Recovery and the support you need at home can look different for everyone. Here in today’s blog, we’re sharing tips and experiences from Online Community members and helping you find the right support. Help from your hospital, GP or medical team Our webpage Going home from hospital talks about what to expect when you’re discharged from hospital. This includes support from your healthcare team to put a plan in place. This webpage also talks you through needs assessments, care plans and what your discharge plan may look like. Before you leave hospital, you may find it useful to use our hospital discharge checklist (PDF) – Find out more about this online…

Eliza -Online Community Team
Who do I ask? - How to find Trusted Cancer Information

Where to Get Trusted Cancer Information When you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, finding accurate and reliable information is crucial. With so many sources available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and potentially come across misleading information. Here on the Community, we want to help you find trustworthy information that may guide you through your time of need. Getting accurate information about cancer can help you make informed decisions about your treatment and care. It can also provide reassurance and may help you feel more in control. But with the internet filled with so much information, how do you know what you can trust? Look for the Trusted Information Creator Tick One way to ensure that you're getting reliable information is to look for the Trusted Information…

Syed - Macmillan
Life after cancer: Navigating unique challenges with people who understand

On the 2 nd of June, Cancer Survivors Day invited us to celebrate life and raise awareness and support for people living after cancer. Life after cancer can be challenging for many individuals. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate these alone. Macmillan and the Online Community are here to help. We have a dedicated Life after Cancer forum , for members of the Community who have finished treatment. It is a space to discuss things like the physical and emotional aftereffects of cancer, returning to work, or trying to move on with your life. In this blog, we'll focus on our "Life after cancer forum" and provide links to resources and helpful contacts. Feeling stuck A member of the Community was struggling, feeling stuck after living with a cancer diagnosis. They reached…

Dylan - Online Community Team
Chemotherapy support: Tips, discussions, and expert advice

Starting or undergoing chemotherapy can be daunting, and the side effects can be tough to deal with. Whether you're new to treatment or looking for ways to manage its challenges, you're not alone. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the discussions in our Online Community, hints and tips shared, as well as expert guidance. Hints and tips from a Community Champion In 2021, Irishgirl16 (a Community Champion) wrote a popular blog post sharing things she wished she'd known before starting chemotherapy. This blog has helped many Community members over the last 3 years. Her tips cover general preparation, managing sickness, dealing with hair loss, and more. If you’d like to read her full list of helpful suggestions, please click the link below: Chemo Side Effects - Hints & Tips Ask A Nurse…

Dylan - Online Community Team