New service launched to support people fighting cancer

CANCER sufferers and their families are being offered extra support through a new service launched by health experts today.

Grimsby Central Library, Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK have come together to form a joint partnership which will offer those living with cancer one-on-one drop-in sessions.

ADVICE AND SUPPORT: Lorna Briggs, left, community service librarian and Sue Lewis, Macmillan Cancer information and support manager, pictured at the new Macmillan cancer information point inside the Grimsby Central Library. Picture: Rick Byrne. Buy this photo at www.thisisphoto sales.co.uk/grimsby or by contacting 08444 060910

The scheme will be run on an outreach basis, where patients can seek advice and support from health professionals.


The service is located on the ground floor of Grimsby library with the first drop-in session to be held tomorrow from 9.30am to 2pm.

The library also stocks reference books about cancer and a range of leaflets from Macmillan and Cancer Research UK.

Susan Lewis, Macmillan Cancer information and support manager, said: "I will be speaking to the public. I have a medical background in dealing with cancer patients. It is not always the disease alone that people are worried about. Hair loss can be very distressing and financial benefits can be a problem.

"Here, I will be open to discuss all issues surrounding cancer, whether it be the person suffering themselves or their family and friends who are worried.

"I do not want to subject these sessions to just those suffering with the disease, it is for people affected by cancer too.

"Having the right kind of information and support, at the right time, is essential."

Angela Smith, at the Positive Image Clinic, Cleethorpes, knows first-hand the importance of having people to talk to, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

On hearing the news about this service, she was more than happy to welcome it into the town. She said: "It is absolutely essential for people suffering cancer to be able to access information and advice.

"It can be very hard, especially after treatment, to feel anything like your normal self.

"I believe having someone there who can give that extra support is crucial to allowing people to move on with their lives.

"I believe a central point, such as Grimsby library, is a great place to have it."





Get involved

After tomorrow the next drop in sessions will take place on Thursday, February 2, from 9.30am to 2pm and Friday, February 3, from 9.30am to 2pm.

After this they will continue on the second Friday of each month starting from Friday, February 10, from 10am to 1pm. For more information about the support sessions, call the library on 01472 323600.