Lifeline for cancer patients in lockdown

Instead, Macmillan’s emotional and practical support volunteers and drivers have taken to the telephones to help combat loneliness and signpost vital support.

Rita James, from Wigan, is specially trained to offer emotional and practical support to people living with cancer.

Since mid-March she has been telephoning patients who are shielding at home, as they fall within the government’s most vulnerable category due to their treatment and cancer.

One patient who Rita has started to phone is a woman in her late 80s, who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Rita said: “This lady lives alone and is very lonely. She has had a frightening diagnosis on top of the very real threat of Covid-19. She is supported by her GP and does have a good neighbour who brings food and shopping, but other than that she is alone.

“I am a trained Macmillan emotional and practical support volunteer who normally sees people face-to-face to provide help. I’m just very glad that Macmillan have redeployed us so rapidly to support people over the phone.

“I’m getting to know this lady gradually over the phone and giving her the time to talk to me about anything that worries her. I hope I’m giving her a friendly caring voice to talk to and to put her faith in.”

Rita refers patients to specialists who man the national Macmillan support line service or back to the their GP if they have any clinical concerns or need help with finances.

The national support line service is available to anyone affected by cancer in any way, seven days a week between 8am and 8pm.

It is manned by clinicians and specialists, and no worry is too big or too small for them to deal with. The help from the charity is vital for those dealing with cancer, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis.

Jane Melvin, Macmillan Cancer Support’s head of partnerships North and North West, said: “It is heartbreaking that some people living with cancer are having to endure this level of fear and isolation.

“I am very proud that our volunteer service has adapted so very quickly in order to support our incredible volunteers to continue to support people affected by cancer during the pandemic.

“We know this is a very anxious time for people living with cancer and those awaiting treatment. Over a quarter (33 per cent) of all calls to our national Macmillan support line service in the last week were from cancer patients who are feeling deeply concerned about the impacts of coronavirus.

“It is vital that we continue to be there for everyone living with cancer, to reassure them, help them to navigate this period of isolation and to provide the emotional, financial and clinical guidance they need.

“I would urge anyone affected by cancer in the first instance to contact our Macmillan support line service on 0808 808 00 00 or to access online support at Macmillan.org.uk.”

If you know of someone who could benefit from telephone support, contact Macmillan’s volunteering services manager Rachel Meadows on 07458 127760 or [email protected]

For specialist advice on coping during the coronavirus pandemic, go to macmillan.org.uk/coronavirus.