People in Lochaber invited to help shape new cancer information and support service

Issued by NHS Highland & The Highland Council

A new drop-in service offering information and support is due to open in Fort William Library next spring to help ensure that people affected by cancer in the Highlands get the right information, at the right time, in the right way.

Around one in three people will be affected by cancer; therefore, information about cancer, how it can be treated, and the support services available is vital.

Macmillan Cancer Support, NHS Highland, NHS Education Scotland and Highland Council libraries are developing the service. They’re seeking opinions from the people who will benefit most from it – how would you like to see it run? What would work best?  How can we encourage people to use it? If you have cancer, know someone with cancer or would simply like more information, come along to one of two open events later this month.

This new Cancer Information & Support Service will be housed within the library’s Health and Wellbeing Zone which will include books, leaflets, CDs, DVDs and face to face support. The zone will also offer comfortable seating, tea, coffee, and an informal chance to chat. A new website is expected to be launched in December as part of a national network to make information more accessible.

We know that people affected by cancer are often unsure about where to go for information and support about living with cancer. It’s hoped that the new drop-in service within a library right in the heart of the community will encourage people to come along.

There will also be an opportunity for people to join the project board to help progress the new service.

Macmillan’s Cancer Nurse Consultant with NHS Highland Chrissie Lane said: “This is a great development that will enhance the information and support given to people by their health care professionals. We really want to work with more people from Lochaber to tailor this service to their needs. Please come along and find out more.”

Charlotte MacArthur from Highland Council’s Library services added: “Libraries are often the first places people come to look for information after diagnosis and we are delighted to be working in partnership with NHS Highland and Macmillan Cancer Support to provide this service to the people of Lochaber.” 

Anyone interested in contributing to the development of this exciting new service is invited to join one of the open meetings being held at Fort William Library on Wednesday, November 26th from 2.00-3.30pm or 5.00-6.30pm. If you are unable to attend but wish to offer your ideas please call Chrissie Lane on 01463 704709 or 07795 092 924.

Questionnaires will also be available in the library in the days following the event so you can feed in your views. 

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