New free service launched to help Rotherham cancer patients

The Macmillan Advocacy Service officially launched last month at the Carlton Park Hotel.

Steve Edwards, Macmillan Cancer Support’s programme manager for the North said the new service linked existing services together to provide cancer patients with the right support quickly.

“Cancer can affect anyone and we know receiving a cancer diagnosis can turn life upside down in a single moment and it’s a real privilege to be part of a service which represents people centred support,” Mr Edwards added. 

Macmillan Cancer Support has invested around £140,000 into the service as part of its Macmillan Living With and Beyond Cancer Programme.

The new service is part of Citizens Advice Rotherham and is based at the Rain Building on Eastwood Lane.

Cancer nurses or other health professionals can make a referral on someone else’s behalf or anyone affected by cancer can self-refer by contacting this free, confidential service directly.

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey was among the guests who attended the launch and said the inspiring volunteer advocates at the heart of this service were trained to help everyone affected by cancer live life as fully as they can. 

“They’ll help people affected by cancer find the financial, practical, medical or emotional support they need, or they’ll fight for them to get it,” Mr Healey added.

As well as being someone to talk to, the advocates also help in directing people them to other support services.

These include the Macmillan Benefits Service at Rotherham Borough Council and the Macmillan Information and Support Service at Rotherham Hospital.

Julie Cox, Macmillan’s advocacy service manager, said that they had been helping clients with everything from getting benefits advice to emotional support, as well as accessing local community groups and services.

“The launch event was well attended and it was great to see our service users there, as well as so many partner agencies,” she added.