Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, a joint partnership set up by Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) launched its new Cancer Recovery Programme at the sixth successful ‘Health and Wellbeing Event’ on March 17 at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.

Almost 200 people attended the event and benefitted from the chance to chat to nurse specialists and people from key organisations at the various market stalls. Visitors also listened to talks, took part in activity sessions, had hand massages and watched a healthy food demonstration. Guests were also told about different support groups, such as the new Macmillan gardening group which starts in April.

The regular event, run in partnership with Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, aims to support people in adjusting to life with and beyond cancer by providing information on the wide range of services which are available locally as well as healthy living activities.

Feedback on the day was excellent with comments such as: “All fantastic and uplifting for mind, body and soul" and "Thank you for having these magnificent events that can really change people's lives.”

Sonia Holdsworth, Macmillan Development Manager, Cheshire West and Merseyside, said: “The event was a real success and the convention centre had a real buzz about it as people walked around the stalls. It is so important for people to come together to find out about the help and advice that is on offer to them so I am glad we had such a good turn out.”

Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG chair, said: “We are proud to support the Macmillan Centre in Southport. A lot of people don’t realise what is available to them on their doorstep so I’m hoping that people went away from the event with a better understanding and that they go on to use the support available to them.”

Jackie Brunton, cancer services manager at Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said: “I speak to so many people who really benefit from the advice given at the regular health and wellbeing events and also from meeting likeminded people too, which is great to hear.

“Physical activity is a key element in the Cancer Recovery Programme, it can really lift people’s mood as well as keeping them fit and well so I would certainly recommend it. Please do sign up sign up to the next event if you have not been before.” 

Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre is situated within the Living Well Centre on Scarisbrick Avenue and is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (not bank holidays). No appointment is necessary and anyone affected by cancer is more than welcome to drop in for a coffee and a chat; they also have a wide range of Macmillan literature available, along with walking, craft and singing groups to join – and new for 2016 is a new gardening group.

The next Health & Wellbeing Event will be held on Thursday June 30 from 1pm – 3.30pm at the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, this event is free and anyone wishing to book a place should call 0151 288 6893 or email sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net