New cancer support service launched in Wandsworth to support patients amid pandemic

By Toby Porter

A brand new cancer support service has launched in Wandsworth – and will be particularly crucial during Covid, with so many cancer patients currently having to shield and self-isolate.

Macmillan has funded the set-up of this £199,000 service, which is available to any Wandsworth residents aged 18+, who are living with or beyond cancer.

The service can also help carers and loved ones too.

Currently available by phone, the Macmillan Community Cancer Link Worker offers personalised support to cancer patients and their carers.

Whether it’s someone experiencing feelings of isolation due to the Covid crisis. Or those struggling to comes to terms with a cancer diagnosis.

The Cancer Link Worker can also help people facing financial or employment issues as a result of having cancer.

In addition, they can advise on getting active after cancer treatment or signpost to other useful local service.

Hannah Jackson, the new Macmillan Community Cancer Link Worker for Wandsworth, said: “Through one-to-one telephone consultations, I can help a client to explore any non-clinical needs, concerns or worries.

“I am then able to identify support services that will help to address these concerns and provide encouragement if a person is feeling hesitant or anxious about accessing a service.

“I can connect residents aged 18+ living with and beyond cancer to local financial, physical, emotional and psychological support.

“Having previously worked as part of Enable’s established Social Prescribing Team, my knowledge of existing community services in Wandsworth will help me identity relevant support for those I speak to.

“Seeking to empower cancer patients (and their carers) to explore what is important to them and access the right support is a wonderful opportunity, and I am so looking forward to supporting clients and seeing the service develop.”

Robyn Jenkins, Macmillan Partnership Manager for South West London said: “The Macmillan Cancer Community Link Worker project is not only a fantastic example of an innovative programme that’s helping Londoners living with cancer.

“It also represents the very best in partnership working – bringing together Macmillan’s cancer expertise with Enable Leisure and Culture’s extensive experience of delivering community-focussed services.

“The Macmillan Cancer Community Link Worker will be there for patients from the point of diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

“So we’re thrilled that, despite the challenges our charity has faced in 2020, Macmillan has been able to commit around £199,000 to the creation of this service.

“But as Macmillan is funded almost entirely by public donations, the future funding of new services like this is in the balance – we have never needed our wonderful supporters more.”

Dr Owen Carter, Macmillan GP at Lavender Hill Group Practice said: “The Macmillan Link Worker really helps me support my patients with cancer. It’s so difficult to keep up to date with all the services that are available to patients.

“It brilliant to be able to refer to a skilled Link Worker, with knowledge of how to support patients and carers with cancer.

“In the busy 10-minute consultation it’s so difficult to offer all the support that might be needed, so it’s fantastic to have the service to refer onto.”

The Macmillan Community Cancer Link Worker project is a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and Enable Leisure and Culture.

The role is part of a wider project to develop the holistic support available to people living with and beyond cancer in Wandsworth.

If you’re over 18 and registered at a GP Practice in Wandsworth, you can ask your GP Practice for a referral. If you have any questions about the service, please email waccg.cancerlinkworker@nhs.net.

Macmillan is funded almost entirely by donations and receives no government funding. We can only fund services like this thanks to our amazing supporters. Visit macmillan.org.uk/getinvolved today to donate or volunteer.