Macmillan Sets Up In Manchester Libraries, UK

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 16 Jul 2008 - 13:00 PDT

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With 33,000 people diagnosed with cancer in the North West each year, Manchester Libraries have launched a breakthrough scheme with Macmillan Cancer Support to make advice and support more accessible than ever.

The Macmillan Partnership Information and Support Service in Manchester Libraries aims to offer help and support to those living with cancer, their families and friends. It will be a convenient way of accessing information, receiving emotional support and learning the facts about living with cancer.

Councillor Mike Amesbury, Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, responsible for libraries at Manchester City Council said: "The service is an additional way for patients to source information and is also a place where friends and relatives can come to find out more in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. People are frequently turning to libraries as a key source of information for their community and we see it as very much our responsibility to provide support and advice where it is needed. "

The scheme, which launched on 14 July, will initially operate from three libraries; North City Library in Harpurhey, Gorton Library and Forum Library in Wythenshawe with plans to expand the service city-wide.

Information available at the library will include books, leaflets, fact sheets, recommended websites and face-to-face information. Personal appointments with a member of the Macmillan team will also be available so people can talk in complete confidence.

The service provides details on the benefits and financial support available, local and national health related services and support networks, and alternative and complementary therapies and treatments, as well as offering emotional support to anyone affected either through their own diagnosis or that of a family member or friend.

Councillor Mike Amesbury added: "With one in three of us likely to be diagnosed with cancer at some stage it is essential that clear and accurate information is available within our communities. For people to have direct access to the Macmillan Partnership through our libraries is a positive step forward and will help to raise awareness of symptoms and encourage people to seek help sooner potentially saving even more lives."

Macmillan Information and Support Services Adviser Steve Edwards said: "Macmillan is delighted to be working in partnership with Manchester Libraries to bring cancer information and support to the heart of local communities. We are always looking at new ways of making information and support more accessible and this partnership is a great way of bringing a wealth of information and expertise to people affected by cancer. I look forward to seeing the success of this new service and I encourage anyone with any cancer concerns or worries to get in touch."

Basil Curley, Lead Member for Health for Manchester City Council said: "Bringing the services that this charity offers, to libraries is an excellent idea. It is a really good way for friends and loved ones as well as those living with cancer, to find out more information that they might need in a more relaxed and less clinical environment."

The Macmillan Information and Support Service in Manchester Libraries comes within the wider context of the Cancer Reform Strategy, demonstrating how by 2012, our cancer services can and should become among the best in the world.

Manchester is committed to reducing cancer mortality and this network of information available locally is just one part of the overall plan to tackle this head on.

For more Manchester City Council information visit http://www.manchester.gov.uk

Notes

The incidence of cancer is increasing as people live longer

1 in 3 of us will get cancer

1.2 million of us are living with it

Over 33,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the North West and about 19,000 die each year

The number of new cases in the North West is similar in males and females but deaths from cancer are more common in men

Cancer is relatively rare until the age of about 20; its incidence then rises steeply until about aged 70, when it plateaus and then decreases from age 80.

The number of cancers is higher in women than in men from 30 to 60 and is more common in men aged 60 to 85 and then again becomes more common in women

Cancer is largely a disease of the elderly: 50% of cancers are diagnosed in individuals aged 70 or over and 60% of deaths from cancer occur in this age group

More people die from cancer in the North West because more people get cancer - late detection is a key reason for this

About Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. We provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support and push for better cancer care. One in three of us will get cancer. 1.2 million of us are living with it.

If you have questions about cancer call our free CancerLine on 0808 808 2020 or, if you're aged between 12-21, call our YouthLine on 0800 500 800. You can also visit http://www.macmillan.org.uk

Pictured:

Cake - Steve Edwards, Information & Support Services Advisor for Macmillan and Councillor Mike Amesbury for Manchester City Council celebrate the partnership by cutting the cake.

Group - Steve Edwards, Councillor Mike Amesbury, Nicky Parker, Head of Library and Information Services and Patty Doran, Macmillan Partnership Information Project Manager.

Team - the team delivering the service Clare Moran, Lisa Wisher, Patty Doran & Candy Stokes

http://www.manchester.gov.uk