Welcome to the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service. We are here for anyone affected by cancer.
Who we are
When you're affected by cancer, having the right kind of information and support at the right time is essential. The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service provides a confidential service for anyone affected by cancer. This includes people who:
- Require information about cancer
- Are living with cancer
- Have survived cancer
- Are living with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis
- Are a carer, relative, or friend with someone with cancer
- Are healthcare professionals
Contact us
Phone:
01625 663128 or 01625 663129
Email:
ecn-tr.macmillaninfosupport@nhs.net
Opening Times
Monday to Friday | 8.30am - 4.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
How we can help
Staffed by the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Assistant and trained volunteers, we can provide:
- Information about all aspects of living with cancer including diet and exercise, hair loss services, travel, body image, talking to children, benefits etc.
- Information and drop in support face to face, by phone or email
We can provide support by offering:
- Time to talk in a confidential and relaxing environment on a one-to-one basis
- Access to counselling
- Access to benefits advice
- Links to local support services
All information and support is available free of charge.
Do you need information on travel Insurance, benefits, talking to friends and family? If you are unable to visit the Macmillan Information and Support Service and browse our information booklets, please email or phone us with your information requests and we will send the information to your home by post or email.
Sometimes the most important thing to anyone affected by cancer is to have someone to talk to outside of your family circle. Our highly experienced information and support staff are available to listen and provide emotional support and signposting either on a drop-in basis or by appointment. Further support can then be organised as appropriate.
Further psychological support via counselling is available by referral. We have a dedicated team of ‘person-centred’ counsellors, who offer a safe, confidential space for patients and their families who are struggling with the emotional impacts of cancer.
Please note that this service is only available for persons over the age of 18. Please discuss this further with your clinical specialist nurse or the Macmillan Information and Support Service to self-refer to the counselling service. Counselling is available face to face or over the telephone.
The Macmillan Benefits Advice Service is run in conjunction with Citizens Advice Cheshire and is available for all patients. The Macmillan Benefits Advice Service is able to support you with:
- Checking which benefits you're entitled to
- Helping you apply for benefits and grants
- Supporting you with benefits problems
- Helping you apply for a Blue Badge
- Supporting you to get help with debt and housing issues
To access the service, please call us or email us.
Many people living with cancer say that spending time talking with others who have a shared experience benefits them in many ways. These benefits include: feeling less lonely, distressed, isolated or judged; improved mood and wellbeing; reduced anxiety or fatigue.
Common group activities can include:
- meeting for a tea or coffee and a chat, getting to know each other and learning how best to support one another
- listening to invited guest speakers on a variety of subjects
- taking part in crafting, art, creative writing or singing
There are lots of local and national support groups, some face to face and others virtual. Please speak to us to see what might be available for you.
Some cancer treatment can cause hair loss. If you decide you would like to wear a wig, it is a good idea to get one before you start treatment. It will be easier to match the wig to your own hair colour and style. You can also get used to wearing the wig before your hair starts to fall out.
If you are due to start chemotherapy and would like a voucher for a free wig, please contact our team. We are also able to signpost to other more specialised services.
The charity Look Good Feel Better offer a monthly workshop delivered in Macclesfield at the Sunflower Centre next to East Cheshire Hospice. It takes place on the third Friday of each month 10am to 1pm.
Their trained volunteer beauty experts will teach you how to look after your skin, whilst talking through any side effects you might have such as dryness, what products might benefit you and then teach you how to apply a basic, natural makeup. Each participant receives a goodie bag of products to take home.
Every workshop offers an invaluable opportunity to talk to others in a similar situation, whilst helping support people with their changing appearance. People leave their workshops feeling empowered, motivated and less isolated – allowing them to feel more confident during their cancer journey.
You can find out more about this workshop here Skincare & Makeup Workshop - Look Good Feel Better : Look Good Feel Better
Look Good Feel Better have produced tutorials, which are available to watch on YouTube. Tutorials include eyebrows, eyelashes, wig selection and styling, headscarves, headwear, nail care, eyebrows for men, skincare for men, shaving advice for me wet and dry.
The Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation Programme is a structured exercise programme for anyone having or recovering from cancer, delivered by Level 4 Specialist Cancer Exercise Rehabilitation Instructors within the Cheshire East leisure centres.
Programme benefits include: help to reduce impact of treatments and side effects; improved strength, fitness and mobility; help with weight management; increased energy levels and reduced fatigue; help to improve wellbeing and mood.
Evidence shows that actively improving your physical and mental health can help you recover more quickly from surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and reduce the chance of further problems during and after your treatment, as well as many other benefits.
If you would like to know more, please speak to us and we can review eligibility. The programme requires a referral from a health professional.
How to find us
Our service is based in the reception area of The Christie at Macclesfield based in Macclesfield Hospital, Victoria Road, SK10 3BL.
We can be accessed from the main entrance just off Fieldbank Road or from the first floor of the main hospital near Orthopaedics using the link corridor.
Travel
Rail: Macclesfield Station is a short taxi drive or by the number 130 bus. Bus number 130 travels between Macclesfield, Wilmslow and Handforth calling at Macclesfield Hospital.
Bus: 130
Hospital car parking: All car parks are 'pay on foot'. Please note that if you have a Blue Badge you are exempt from parking charges but you do need to register your Blue Badge first with the hospital. This can be done at the main reception or with ourselves. Certain cancer treatments at The Christie will entitle you to a parking exemption. You will be informed about this as you start your treatment.
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