Residents Invited to Cancer Information Days
14 June 2022
The Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys (ICJ) programme team are hosting two events in the county - one in the North and one in the South - so that people can find out more about the support locally that is available to them.
Residents will be able to pick up information, chat to a range of professionals and third sector organisations and book in for a follow up appointment with one of the trained link workers to discuss their own specific needs. Visitors can also join others who are living with cancer for a chat over tea/coffee and Welsh cakes.
There will also be the chance to listen to talks from Louise Hymers, the Lead Cancer Nurse, a member of staff from Macmillan's Cancer Information and Support Centre from Shrewsbury and Telford hospital, Credu who support unpaid carers, a senior Community Connector from PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) and a Welshpool resident Tim who will give a talk called 'You just never know' about his cancer journey.
All those attending will receive an ICJ goodie bag and will be entered into a free raffle draw with prizes which include a well-being hamper and a family ticket for two adults and three children to Powis Castle. The Flash is offering all who attend a three-day pass to the centre and there will be a tour of the gym on offer too. Visitors can also get a free relaxing hand massage from local massage therapist Kate Evans.
Meinir Morgan, Programme Manager said:
"Our Information Day is about sharing the things that we've been putting in place in Powys since the programme began. The overriding aim is to better support people during their cancer journey. With no district general hospital in the county, we know from research carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support - our funders - and from conversations we've had ourselves, how isolating it can be for people before and after treatment. People can often have questions on an array of issues that aren't necessarily medical and are not sure where to turn. We are in a position to offer people a coordinated package of support based on their needs, whether these are financial, practical, emotional, physical, social, or spiritual."
Dr Ruth Corbally, Macmillan GP Cancer Lead and the Clinical Lead for Cancer for Powys Teaching Health Board and ICJ Sponsor said:
"If you are living with cancer, supporting someone who is, or just want to pop by and find out more about the signs and symptoms to look out for we'd love to see you. All four of our delivery partners - PAVO, Credu, the Bracken Trust and our own specialist palliative nurses - will be on hand. Our programme uses Macmillan's tried and tested assessment tool which once completed helps us to provide anyone living with cancer with the things that matter most to them whether that's getting a blue badge, getting their prescriptions collected, their lawns mowed or being able to access massage or counselling to help with anxiety."
Alongside the four delivery partners, there will be information from the council's Money Advice Team, the Books About Cancer project, Assist - the council's information and advice service for adult care, Blood Bikes Wales, the North Powys Wellbeing project, and Macmillan Cancer Support who can support people who might want to set up their own local support group.
Hand gel will be available at the event and people attending are welcome to wear a face mask if they feel this offers them added protection.
More details about the Improving the Cancer Journey in Powys programme can be found at: https://www.powysrpb.org/icjpowys