The Vicky Clement-Jones award winner 2011

The group started volunteering because of a Macmillan-Age UK project, and grew from a group of diverse individuals, each with their own cancer history.

Together, they took on the challenge of formally setting up a committee and embraced the training that was offered from Macmillan. They sought out contacts and made links with cancer service providers in their local area.

Within the group they plan monthly meetings and associated activities within the framework of their defined aims and objectives. One example of the range of their support is the sub-group ‘talk and tech’ which offers structured access to computer training for those affected by cancer.

The group have even created a monthly newsletter, which continues to be distributed widely across west Cumbria, by email and hard copy. The newsletter is widely acclaimed and anticipated, and continues to inform and entertain health and social care providers, as well as people affected by cancer. Each member also contributes by organising photography field trips and creative arts activities.

One member of the committee chose to train as a ‘walk leader’, and became an approved community minibus driver. He uses these new skills to benefit the group and develop new activities.

Each volunteer has devoted time, expertise and experience towards the development of a thriving and forward-looking support group for people affected by cancer in Copeland.