MACMILLAN VOLUNTEERS OVERCOME LOCKDOWN CHALLENGES TO REMOTELY SUPPORT ISOLATED CANCER PATIENTS

Macmillan’s team of vital volunteers – who usually provide face-to-face support – are reaching out to self-isolating cancer patients across West Cheshire to offer telephone support during the coronavirus crisis.

The team of volunteers, who provide emotional and practical support and also driving services, are now taking to the telephones to help combat devastating loneliness and signpost people to essential support.

Paul Plested, from Ellesmere Port, has volunteered as a driver for Macmillan for 14 months, helping to provide a transport service for people living with cancer so they can attend hospital appointments and treatment.

The 58-year-old has now parked up his car and picked up the phone to call patients who are shielding at home, because they fall within the Government’s most vulnerable category as a result of their treatment and cancer.

Since mid-March the retired local government finance officer has been phoning a service user, who is recovering from cancer, on a regular basis.

The father of two, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2012, said: “I’ve had a cancer diagnosis and surgery, which is when I had support from Macmillan. So, I know what cancer patients are going through and volunteering makes me feel like I’m giving something back and making a small difference during these extremely challenging times.

“The lady I call every week not only has to deal with her cancer diagnosis and treatment, but also the added uncertainty and worry that the real threat of coronavirus brings. Although she does have family and friends, it can sometimes be easier to talk about their feelings to someone outside their family.

“I’ve really got to know this lady over the last few weeks and we chat about anything and everything, and usually put the world to rights. Hopefully I provide a friendly caring voice and listening ear, but I’m also there if she wants to talk about anything that worries or concerns her.

“I’m so pleased that Macmillan is giving its volunteers the opportunity to redeploy on their much-needed telephone befriending service, so we can continue to support people living with cancer over the phone and provide a vital emotional lifeline when they need it most.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving telephone support from a dedicated Macmillan volunteer, please contact Rachel Meadows, Macmillan’s Volunteering Services Manager, on 07458127760 or email RMeadows@macmillan.org.uk

Jane Melvin, Macmillan’s Cancer Support Head of Partnerships North and North West, added: “It is heart-breaking that some people living with cancer are having to endure this level of fear and isolation. I am very proud that our volunteer service has adapted so very quickly in order to support our incredible volunteers to continue to support people affected by cancer during the pandemic.

“We know this is a very anxious time for people living with cancer and those awaiting treatment. Over a quarter (33%) of all calls to our national Macmillan Support Line Service in the last week were from cancer patients who are feeling deeply concerned about the impacts of coronavirus. It is vital that we continue to be there for everyone living with cancer, to reassure them, help them to navigate this period of isolation and to provide the emotional, financial and clinical guidance they need.”

Comprehensive information and support, including Macmillan’s latest guidance and advice on the impact of coronavirus on cancer care, is available macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus and the Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week, between 8am – 8pm, on 0808 808 00 00.

Macmillan is almost entirely funded by donations and can only support the growing number of people living with cancer with the help of its supporters. We need your help more than ever before to be there for people living with cancer. To donate visit macmillan.org.uk/emergency.