Expansion of Glasgow information and support service

Since it launched in April last year, the Macmillan Information and Support Service at The Library at the Bridge in Easterhouse has been so successful in its first year it is to be expanded to reach even more patients, families and carers.

An information and support service for people affected by cancer in Glasgow, Macmillan's efforts at the library have welcomed over 1000 people affected by cancer through its doors. Due to the high numbers of visitors from throughout East Glasgow, a further service will now be established at the nearby Dennistoun Library. The development was announced at an event to celebrate the phenomenal success of the Macmillan Cancer Support service in Easterhouse during its first year.

Both services have been developed by charity Macmillan in partnership with Culture and Sport Glasgow and East Glasgow Community Health and Care Partnership.

Allan Cowie, Macmillan’s general manager for Scotland, said: 'When people are struggling with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis, it is important they can access high quality information and support.

'Macmillan strives to provide people with the right information at the right time which is why the service at Easterhouse is so important and has been such a tremendous success.

'By working with our partners, we now plan to build on that success with an expansion to Dennistoun where we know there is a demand for this kind of support.'

The special anniversary reception was held at The Library at the Bridge and was attended by around 100 charity, council and NHS representatives.

People affected by cancer who have used the service also gave moving presentations to explain how valuable it has been to them.

Someone who attended the event is Sandra Cooper, whose husband John was diagnosed with bowel cancer a year ago.

At the service, the couple were able to ask questions about John’s diagnosis and treatment and were able to pick up helpful literature about his condition.

Sandra, 65, of Ballieston, Glasgow, said: 'We would urge anyone who has questions about cancer to come along and use this service – the people who run it are so friendly that you feel welcome right away.

'It was important to us that this service was right on our doorstep and, for us, being able to speak to other people who are in the same situation as us has been a great help as it’s meant that we no longer feel so isolated.'

The Macmillan Information and Support Service at Easterhouse is staffed by a manager and 16 trained volunteers.

A comprehensive range of information on all aspects of cancer is available and visitors can take the time they need to talk about their experiences in a comfortable, relaxed environment.

Thanks to the kind support of charity Cancer Support Scotland (Tak Tent), the service is also able to offer free access to complementary therapies and counselling.

Money worries are also a significant concern for cancer patients and advice is also available due to a partnership with the Macmillan Benefits Service Glasgow.

Official Scottish health statistics show that incidence of cancer is around 27 per cent higher here than the national average, with around 800 people a year diagnosed in East Glasgow.

Councillor James Coleman, chair of the East Glasgow Community Health and Care Partnership, said: 'The Information and Support Service in Easterhouse has been very well used by local people over the last year.

'It complements existing medical services by providing emotional and practical support for people affected by cancer.

'With developments in screening and treatments getting better, people with cancer have higher survival rates and are living longer, I am delighted that we are able to open another drop in service at Dennistoun to provide support to help people and their families live with cancer.'

Bailie Liz Cameron, chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow added: 'Glasgow's libraries are important community resources and this collaboration between Macmillan Cancer Support and the library at The Bridge is further proof of the crucial role they can play. The expansion of the service to Dennistoun Library will allow even more people affected by cancer the opportunity to receive vital support and advice at what is undoubtedly a traumatic time in anyone's life.'

If you are affected by cancer and want to find out more about how the service can help you, telephone 0141 531 8105 or email janice.watt2@ggc.scot.nhs.uk|

Cancer information and support is also available by contacting Macmillan 0808 800 0000 or at macmillan.org.uk|