A pilot project offering practical support to people affected by cancer in East Lothian has provided help to dozens of clients in its first year.
The Lothian Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) service steps in to give people help in non- medical issues from financial advice to finding childcare support.
Launched in August last year, the service is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and aims to help where GPs and medical services cannot.
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It is estimated eleven people in East Lothian are diagnosed with cancer every week and the ICJ aims to provide support to 20 new people each month as it becomes more established.
Vivien Jayne, Macmillan project manager, said that for many people affected by cancer there are a wide range of worries and pressures which they have to face which simply are not part of the medical care.
The ICJ brings together professionals from a range of areas who can help with practical advice and help.
She said: “There are a wide area of issues which people affected by cancer face either when diagnosed themselves or living with people who have been diagnosed. It can range from what happens when they cannot work to help with childcare, benefits or planning ahead.
“We hope that the service we provide, which is being rolled out across Scotland will provide GPs and medical professionals with a place they can refer patients to and ease the pressure on their service as well.”
The ICJ currently has two link workers in East Lothian, who have strong local connection and work to build up their knowledge of what is available for people in their communities.
Vivien said: “Our ICJ Link workers are great listeners and work alongside people recognising the different strengths that everyone brings. They are there to help anyone affected by cancer to find ways to make their life a little bit better.”
Almost 80 people in East Lothian, including 12 carers, used the service in its first year with the most common concerns people raised being around finances and benefits, worry and anxiety and tiredness and fatigue.
The service has referred and sign-posted people on to a range of local services and supports including: the East Lothian Financial Inclusion service, Macmillan Move More exercise programme, counselling services, mindfulness classes, befriending services and local support groups.
It has helped people maximise their income, get out and about locally and be more active and meet others who have been affected by cancer.
The service is funded for four years and it is hoped that after that it will be taken on by health services to be continued as part of the local health and social care services.
To get in touch with the Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey service or find out more call 07977 307 286 or 07929 784315 or email loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
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