An innovative volunteering service provided by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the Macmillan Windmill Unit, is aiming to offer support and guidance for those who care for someone with cancer.

There is a wide range of both physical and emotional support for patients directly affected by cancer, however we understand that it is sometimes the carers and loved ones of those patients who carry an equally heavy burden.

The Macmillan Cancer Care Buddy service aims to provide both practical and emotional support from someone who has experienced a similar journey as a loved one or carer.

“Carers can often feel that they shouldn’t ask for support when it comes to cancer, because they are not going through it. Actually loved ones and carers are impacted in a way that sometimes the patient isn’t even able to acknowledge or understand what they are going through.”

Helen Bright, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager

The Trust’s volunteering team are now looking to recruit more Macmillan Cancer Care Buddies.

If you feel that you want to share your experiences and help support others with their practical and emotional needs, please contact Nicola Ellis on 01253 955710 or email bfwh.macmillan.info@nhs.net for more information.