A cancer support service delivered by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has supported more than 700 people across Northumberland and North Tyneside in its first year.

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service, based at Wansbeck General Hospital in Ashington, marked its first anniversary after providing vital information, emotional support and practical guidance to people affected by cancer

Between June 2025 and May 2026, the service recorded 1,813 interactions with people affected by cancer – helping 714 individual users. The team also made 1,682 referrals and signposts to additional support and attended or hosted 54 community events across the region.

The service is open to anyone affected by cancer – including those living with a diagnosis, people recovering from treatment, carers, relatives, those bereaved, healthcare professionals and individuals looking to reduce their risk of cancer.

The service supported more than 700 people across Northumberland and North Tyneside in its first year.

placeholder image — The service supported more than 700 people across Northumberland and North Tyneside in its first year.

It offers a welcoming space for people to talk openly, ask questions and access personalised support based on what matters most to them.

Lisa Gibbons, who was supported by the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service following a breast cancer diagnosis and a single mastectomy, said: “I contacted the service because I needed support with a breast prosthesis after finding it difficult trying to find something suitable.

“The team listened to what I needed and quickly helped me access the right support through the prosthetics service at North Tyneside General Hospital.

“I had my operation in 2023 and, like many people after cancer treatment, I was still adjusting to the changes it brought. Having someone to talk to who understood and could point me in the right direction made a real difference.

“The team have been incredibly helpful and reassuring. Knowing there was someone there to support me when I needed it helped me feel less alone and more confident moving forward.”

Members of the team provide guidance on a wide range of topics such as signs and symptoms of cancer and understanding diagnoses, treatment options and managing side effects, emotional well-being and coping with cancer, financial concerns, including benefits and money advice, and planning for the future.

Fiona Cook, Macmillan information and support manager at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “I am incredibly proud of the compassionate care and support provided by our Macmillan Information and Support Coordinators.

“They have supported hundreds of people by offering a listening ear, alongside vital emotional support, practical advice and personalised guidance.”

As well as offering direct support, the service helps connect people to specialist services including benefits advice, local support groups and national charities.

The team has also built a strong presence within local communities, delivering health awareness events, support groups and information drop-ins across Northumberland and North Tyneside to ensure people can access help closer to home.

Amanda Walshe, lead cancer nurse at Northumbria Healthcare, said: “I am incredibly proud of this service and everything the team has achieved in its first 12 months.

“In its first year alone, the service has helped patients access more than £1.26million in financial support they were entitled to, making a real difference to individuals and families across our communities.”