People affected by cancer are invited to find out more about the range of support available to them on Thursday 1 November. The regular event in Southport takes a slightly different focus this time with the emphasis being on wellbeing and feeling better about yourself despite everything that you are going through.

The Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, a joint partnership set up by Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), is holding a Health and Wellbeing event in partnership with Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, at the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport from 2pm – 4.30pm.

Cancer can cause changes to people’s appearance that can be hard to cope with affecting how they see themselves and how they feel about their body. The centre has asked some of its service users to demonstrate some examples of how people can dress to feel more confident about how they look. 

For this event only, they have also invited companies that sell organic cosmetics and wigs to give people an idea of the products that are available. To make the afternoon even more enjoyable there will be a caricaturist and a table magician. 

On the day, as always, there will be lots of information stalls for people to visit and you will have the chance to speak with cancer nurse specialists, support groups and other key organisations. Volunteers from Sefton OPERA have also been welcomed back to offer complimentary therapies.

Tanya Mulvey, Macmillan Community Navigator Manager at Southport and Formby Macmillan Information & Support Centre said: “Following feedback from previous events we wanted to try something a little bit different this time.  

“From our experience of some of the things we do at the centre like our Boots No7 Pamper sessions, yoga and support groups, people appreciate finding ways to feel good about themselves even when they are going through difficult times.  We wanted to try and translate this into a Health & Wellbeing Event that appeals to all ages.”

Sarah McGrath, planned care lead at NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said: “This regular event aims to help people affected by cancer as well as their friends and families. We think it’s important to show them the different types of support on hand. This time is slightly different with the focus on wellbeing and appearance to boost confidence and I do hope that it helps those who need that help and support.”  

The first 100 people to register before the event will get a goody bag on the day containing some lovely products donated to the centre around the theme of wellbeing.

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. It is free of charge and refreshments are provided, but booking is essential. To book onto the next event please call 01704 533024 or email: sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net.

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