New cancer information and support centre opens in Newark

A Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre for people affected by cancer has opened in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service (MCISS) at the YMCA Community and Activity Village on Lord Hawke Way has started welcoming service users.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Newark Hospital along with King’s Mill and Mansfield Community hospitals, is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide the vital service in response to feedback from patients.

The development, which is an extension of the existing service at King’s Mill Hospital, is the first of its kind nationally and is likely to attract interest and help shape the future delivery of Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Services.

A Macmillan information library will remain at the Eastwood Centre in Newark Hospital and will signpost people to the MCISS at the YMCA Village, Newark.

YMCA Village is a welcoming space in Newark that already brings together people from all around the community. With an on-site café, a friendly, supportive atmosphere, and a range of health and wellbeing activities, it offers a sense of belonging. Partnering with the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, the Village provides a comfortable, accessible environment where people affected by cancer can easily access vital resources and services close to home.

According to information held by Sherwood Forest Hospitals, around 250 people a year in the Newark (NG24 postcode) area are diagnosed with cancer and feedback shows that people welcome care and support closer to home.

The centre, which is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm, offers drop-in services and appointments for personalised support. Advice and signposting from a range of partners will be available to address worries and concerns that may stem from cancer - including physical, practical, emotional, social and financial issues.

The new service is designed to provide information and support in a friendly and welcoming community setting rather than a traditional hospital environment. It offers support to anyone affected by cancer – including patients, carers, family, friends, employers, and staff working with those affected by cancer. This includes people who may be worried about cancer, waiting for or having tests, those who have recently been diagnosed, are living with cancer, receiving treatment including palliative or end-of-life care, cancer survivors and those who have finished treatment, as well as those dealing with the loss of someone to cancer.

Andrea Murphy, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Lead at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “We are excited that the people of Newark and surrounding areas can access support on their doorstep. The journey from Newark to our King’s Mill Macmillan Centre can feel overwhelming for people affected by cancer, especially if they feel unwell or are fed up with attending hospital appointments. The YMCA is a welcoming space where several organisations will come together under one roof to support people. We hope that it will encourage individuals to access the support they need and that it will be of great benefit to the local community.”

The service is currently recruiting ambassadors who are interested in the centre and its activities. Ambassadors will help share information within their communities and contribute to the development of the new service. Anyone who is interested, should email sfh-tr.cancer.info@nhs.net to sign up to receive a regular newsletter. 

You can contact the service via 01636 681681 ext 5936 or on 07553 726425, or email sfh-tr.cancer.info@nhs.net. Alternatively, you can call the Macmillan Support Line 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 00 00 or visit the Macmillan website.