Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre will be holding its seventh ‘Health and Wellbeing event’ on Thursday 30^th June and anyone who has been affected by cancer, whether directly or through supporting someone is invited to come along.  

The centre, a joint partnership set up by Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is holding the event in partnership with Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, at Southport Theatre and Convention Centre from 1pm – 3.30pm.

On the day, two recently launched activity groups will be promoted which guests will be encouraged to join if they wish. The gardening group meets every Monday morning and Thursday afternoon at Southport Botanic gardens and the new cycling group, run by the Macmillan ‘Move More’ physical activity and wellness co-ordinator from Active Lifestyles, Sefton Council, meets on Monday afternoons at Dunes leisure centre.

There will be lots of other information stalls to visit on the day where people can access support from cancer nurse specialists, support groups, benefits advisors and other key organisations. There will be talks about the emotional effects of cancer and the benefits of physical activity, as well as a healthy eating ‘Mood Food’ stall, mini make-overs from Boots and pampering sessions and hand massages by Sefton OPERA.

Sonia Holdsworth, Macmillan development manager for Cheshire West and Merseyside, said: “Being more physically active can help people cope with, and recover from, the effects of cancer and its treatment and can also help to prevent the recurrence of some types of cancer. Both the gardening group and the cycling group are great for people’s personal fitness and wellbeing and I’d encourage people to come along and find out more on the day about each of these.

“We saw over 200 people at the last event and we hope to see even more this time, they are always a great success and the more people we can support the better.”  

Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and NHS Southport and Formby CCG cancer clinical lead, said: “These events are ideal for people to come along and meet others who have had a similar experience. It is always useful to share and the hope is that there may be an activity or group out there that suits an individual’s needs, so you might go away with an idea of what we can help you with. It’s a friendly and informative event and everyone is very welcome.”

Jackie Brunton, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust’s lead cancer nurse, said: “We’re delighted to continue to build on the success of previous health and well-being clinics.  The events provide access to the wide range of services available locally in one venue”

The regular Health and Wellbeing event 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.

Anyone affected by cancer, either recently or in the past, as well as family and friends supporting others are welcome to book onto this free event.

The events are friendly and educational with the opportunity for visitors to chat to cancer nurse specialists, key organisations and support groups. The Macmillan Living Well Centre Singing Group will also be performing on arrival, to welcome people to the event.

The Health and Wellbeing events are free of charge and refreshments are provided, but booking is essential. To book onto the next event please call 0151 288 6893 or email: sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net .

The last Health and Wellbeing event of the year will be on Thursday 3^rd November, 2016, at the same time and venue.

For more information about the work of the Macmillan Information and Support Centre in Southport, please see the website www.southportmacmillancentre.org.uk