Cancer Focus joins forces with LiLAC

Working from a newly customised centre in Cookstown, the Better Together partnership will provide joint services, as well as those provided independently by each of the charities.  This means a full complement of care services, cancer prevention programmes and practical support will be available in the area on a day to day basis.

 Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, Cancer Focus, said: “Each charity brings something unique to this partnership.  Services brought by Cancer Focus include counselling, art therapy, Beauty for Life, Zest for Life, patient workshops, and a family support service. In addition, our cancer prevention programmes in schools, workplaces and community settings empower and support local people to reduce their risk of cancer and recognise potentially suspicious symptoms.

 “These combined with the services already provided by LiLAC, such as complementary therapy, a volunteer driver service and practical help, support and friendship will help meet both the emotional and practical needs of local cancer patients, and their friends and family.”

 Leanne McConnell, from LiLAC, said: “Our partnership with Cancer Focus means that we have been able to expand our services to people in the Mid Ulster area and offer much more to those who are affected by cancer. To date it’s been a hugely successful partnership and we hope it’ll grow from strength to strength. We’ve had so much positive feedback from the work that Cancer Focus does with us and we would urge everyone in the community to use these wonderful services, which are all free of charge.”

 The Better Together Centre (14 Union Street, Cookstown) is open Monday to Friday to provide information and services and to sign post to other services available in the area. All funds raised by LiLAC and Cancer Focus in Mid Ulster are invested back into the local community.

 To book or find out more about any of the services offered at the Better Together Centre contact 028 8676 6866 or 028 9066 3281, drop into the centre at 14 Union Street, Cookstown, or visit www.lilaccancer.org / www.cancerfocusni.org.

 ENDS

 For more information contact Louise Carey, Communications Manager at Cancer Focus on 028 9068 0763 or louisecarey@cancerfocusni.org

Notes to editor

 LiLAC

LiLAC is a local cancer charity established in 2003, committed to ensuring that people affected by cancer in mid- Ulster have access to high quality cancer support services.  LiLAC has strong local networks and a strong commitment to local service delivery.

 Cancer Focus Northern Ireland

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland (formerly the Ulster Cancer Foundation) works across Northern Ireland supporting people with cancer and their families. We offer a range of programmes to help local people keep well and lower their risk of cancer;  invest in world class cancer research to bring a better future and campaign for better health policies to reduce the cost of cancer on our community. 

Shared services include:

• Cancer Support Programmes providing  information and support for all those affected by cancer
• Fitting Service for women who have had breast cancer surgery, offering bras and swimwear
• Community Wellbeing Mobile service to help people in Mid Ulster improve their health and recognise the early signs of cancer. This includes a range of therapeutic  services for people with cancer, their families and carers (funded by SWARD)

 LiLAC Services include:

• Practical help, support and friendship that can include light housework
• Complementary therapies such as massage and aromatherapy from accredited practitioners in the centre or in people’s own homes
• Volunteer driver service; supporting cancer patients who have difficulty with transportation to hospital for cancer treatment

 Cancer Focus Services include:

 Living Well:

Care Services for people with cancer and their families:

 Counselling Service providing time to talk to someone who understands the effect cancer has on people’s lives

• Art Therapy courses for patients and carers
• Family Support service for children and young people when a mum, dad or other family member has cancer
• Beauty for Life Service to help people deal with changes in their body image after a cancer diagnosis
• Zest for Life offering life coaching to help people with cancer move on with their lives 
• Cancer Information and Support Helpline, 0800 783 3339 and Health Unlocked online cancer support forum
• Patient workshops and weekends

 Keeping Well:

Cancer Prevention programmes:

Schools Health Education Programme (SHEP) for all Primary Schools

• Smoker’s Helpline (0808 812 8008)
• Smoking Cessation for groups and individuals
• Training for professionals who want to help others give up
• WellAware, cancer awareness for the over 60’s
• Skin cancer awareness, how to be safe in the sun at home and abroad
• Health promotion providing health checks and lifestyle advice in local workplaces and communities