Wessex Cancer Alliance has published a report that sets out plans to improve psychological support in cancer services, for people living in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Dorset.
The provision of comprehensive support for those affected by a cancer diagnosis remains our priority, and of course must include psychological and emotional support, in particular for those most in need. We are fortunate to have access, both through the NHS and through voluntary sector partners, to high quality such services in Wessex, but that provision is inconsistent and remains therefore an example of inequity which we must address.
This report, undertaken comprehensively and collaboratively, gives pause for thought, and will allow those commissioning and providing cancer care to establish a plan for reducing these inequalities of access and improving service quality for all. Read the report here.
As part of this improvement work, we are really pleased to share details of a new website called CAN-Empower.
CAN-EMPOWERTM: supporting psychological wellbeing
The University of Southampton, with Macmillan Cancer Support, have worked with people living with cancer, carers and health professionals across the country to create a free, openly available web-resource designed to help people feel more confident in managing psychological problems related to cancer and cancer treatment.
CAN-EMPOWER includes:
- Information about psychological needs
- Advice on the impact of healthy living
- Links to trusted support
- Stories from people with lived experience
- Patient, psychologist, academic videos
- Evidence-based activities, e.g. goal setting
Joanna Calder, a Wessex Cancer Alliance Steering Group member, and a patient with extensive experience of cancer treatment and its psychological impact, was integral to advising on the design and content of the resource. She writes:
‘Having anyone realise that to treat my physical wellbeing and not focus additionally on my psychological wellbeing as well, was not in fact treating the whole of me. If CAN EMPOWER had been available it would have been a tremendous support through my cancer journey. Sadly however, I was left with a web of scars to unravel and so was passionate about CAN EMPOWER being a resource to help others.
‘In addition, my family and friends who supported me needed guidance to navigate their feelings around my diagnosis/care and possible death CAN EMPOWER also explores avenues to help them too. I do so hope that people are able to find a path by using CAN EMPOWER to make their experience more bearable as I am very proud of the resource.’
