Local people in Southport who have been affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly, are invited to an upcoming ‘Health and Wellbeing Event’. The Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre is holding the event on Thursday 19 March from 2pm-4:30pm at the Royal Clifton Hotel in Southport.



The event aims to support people following a cancer diagnosis by providing information on the wide range of services which are available locally, as well as healthy living activities. The event is free and friendly, on the day there will be around 40 local organisations, clinical nurse specialists and representatives from local support groups – all available to offer their expertise and help.



Dr Graeme Allan, Macmillan GP and clinical cancer lead for NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “These events are ideal for people to come and meet others who have had a similar experience. We have had great feedback from previous events and many people who attended have gone on to join one of the support groups such as the walking, cycling or craft group. These are a great way to meet people and get out and about during or after treatment.”

As usual the wonderful Singing Group will be opening the event. There will also be Volunteers from Sefton OPERA offering free complementary therapy tasters and there will be a healthy food demonstration.



During the event there will be a breakout session which will cover the HOPE course, the centre volunteer counselling service and mindfulness. The HOPE course is a 6-week course aimed at helping people get their lives back on track following a cancer diagnosis. There will then be the opportunity to discover for yourself what mindfulness is all about.



Tanya Mulvey the Southport Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre Manager said: “The feedback we get from these events is that people enjoy meeting others they can chat to, whether that be other patients, clinical nurse specialists or people from support groups.



“Many people who come to the centre, or one of our events, have joined one of the support groups such as the walking, cycling or craft group, which they feel is another good way to meet others and get out and about during or after treatment.”



Anyone affected by cancer, either recently or in the past, as well as family and friends supporting others are welcome. The event runs from 2pm – 4.30pm and refreshments are provided.

To book, please call 01704 533024 or email: sfccg.macmillancic@nhs.net.