A new support group launched to help anyone affected by cancer across West Lancashire assisted 21 people at its inaugural meeting.

The Macmillan Aughton Cancer Support Group, which is held atChrist Church Ministry Centre, Long Lane, Aughton, will now meet on the second Friday of every month.

Launched last month, 21 people attended to find out how the Macmillan Information & Support Service in West Lancashire can support anyone affected by cancer, either directly or as a carer, colleague, family member or friend.

Maggi Bradley, Practice Nurse from Aughton Surgery, attended the session and will be a key member of the group. She will be on hand at future meetings to answer GP related questions.

Jodie Taylor, Macmillan’s Information and Support Service Assistant in West Lancashire, said:“Our first Aughton Cancer Support Group was really well attended, and the session received a huge amount of positive feedback. Participants welcomed the fact that a local support group has been set up in Aughton to help patients as well as carers. This group will be key in helping to bridge the gap for people who are not able to attend the Macmillan Information & Support Centre in Skelmersdale.”

Topics discussed on the day included the national cancer pathway, and what people should expect from health services, and an overview of the Macmillan Information & Support Service work within the community and how they support people living with and beyond cancer.

A variety of guest speakers are being planned for future meetings, such as the North West Ambulance Service Specialist Community Paramedic and the West Lancashire’s ‘Move More’ programme will be there at the September meeting - your chance to come along and sign up.

There are also plans to deliver wellbeing courses, including mindfulness and the Coventry University / Macmillan HOPE (Help Overcome Problems Effectively) programme, which enables people who had or have cancer to get on with their lives. The HOPE course is free and is an interactive, group based, self- management support course, which runs for six weeks.

The weekly sessions last 2.5 hours and cover topics such as managing stress and fatigue and healthy lifestyles.

Macmillan Information & Support Service in West Lancashire run several other support groups, including:
Patient Support Group 1^st Monday of every month (1.30pm - 3pm) at the Macmillan Information & Support Centre, Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale
Carers Support Group 2^nd Tuesday of every month (1.30pm - 3pm) at the Macmillan Information & Support Centre, Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale
Aughton Cancer Support Group 2nd Friday of every month (9.30am – 11.30am) at Christ Church Ministry Centre, Long Lane, Aughton; for further information, or to request a full assessment, call 01695 656533.

Alternatively, visit the Macmillan Centre at The Concourse Shopping Centre, Skelmersdale, which is open weekdays 1pm – 4.30pm and no appointments are needed.