Cumbria CVS is working with the Northern Cancer Alliance and Macmillan to support personalised care and recovery for people affected by cancer in North Cumbria.

A cancer diagnosis can affect anyone at any age and can impact many aspects of a person’s life.  The focus of recovery from cancer will always be on the best possible medical care and treatment available.  However, supporting people to overcome the many challenges they face on their cancer journey will also have a positive impact on recovery.

“One in three cancer survivors experience moderate to severe unmet needs at the end of treatment” – Macmillan Cancer Support

Our work focusses on partnership working with colleagues in health and the voluntary sector in North Cumbria to make care more integrated with direct links through to wide variety of support provided by the voluntary sector.  We want people with a cancer diagnosis not only to have the best clinical and psychological care but also access to the rich variety of support from the voluntary sector, helping people with cancer overcome the many challenges they may face.

Our Services

Telephone Support

During the Covid-19 Pandemic we have moved our support to online and telephone only.

Our team of skilled volunteers are able to offer:

·         A friendly listening ear.

·         Regular calls to keep you connected.

·         Discuss and identify what help and support you need.

·         Onward signposting to appropriate local community support.

·         Directing to reliable sources of information.

Exercise and Movement Classes (online)

Our online exercise and movement classes are delivered by Sarah Newby via Zoom. The classes can help at all stages of the cancer journey, pre- and post-op and before and after treatment.  All the exercises can be adapted to all levels of ability and fitness so all can benefit.  The classes are also available to those who care for someone affected by cancer.

Exercise has many benefits and can:

·         help reduce cancer related fatigue.

·         help preserve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness.

·         help reduce treatment side effects.

·         improve psychological wellbeing.

To join just email  janem@cumbriacvs.org.uk

‘Bindi’s Bimbles’ Guided Walks

This is a lovely way to make the most of our beautiful Lakeland countryside through guided walks.  We have three different groups available, those who recovering from cancer or have had cancer, those who have been bereaved and those who are unpaid carers. Bindi, you will find out, is a beautiful Golden Doodle who joins us on the walks.  It’s a great way to connect with others and benefit from the amazing views and fresh air.

We have teamed up with Lakeland Mountain Guides who will look after you on the walk and Jo, who is part funding the walks.

For more information about the walks and how to join in just email janem@cumbriacv.org.uk

West Cumbria Cancer Support – Practical support for people in West Cumbria 

In Allerdale and Copeland, we have a small team of volunteers to work alongside the new Community Cancer Nurse Service. This service is for people affected by cancer who are struggling with some of the practical tasks.  This work is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.  We can offer support in the following areas:

·         Shopping

·         Collecting prescriptions

·         Dog walking

·         Garden tidying

For more information about this service please contact janem@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Get involved

If you are interested in any of our volunteering opportunities, we would love to hear from you.  For more information and to get involved please contact Jane Macfarlane janem@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Privacy and Data protection for individuals involved in the project

Why do we want to keep your personal data?

The CVS and our volunteers believe that this will enable us to offer you a better service and avoid you having to repeat things if you choose to contact us.

What is our legal basis for using your personal details in this way?

We are asking for your consent to do this. You don’t have to give it and even if you do, you can withdraw your consent at any time, and we will remove all details from our records.

Who will we give this information to?

Only CVS staff and volunteers who are working on this initiative will see this information, and then only when absolutely necessary. We won’t pass your information to anyone else.

How long will we keep your information?

We will hold your personal information until 31st March 2021, when we will destroy it. This is when our contract with the CCG and NHS ends. If the contract is extended for any reason we will let you know.

Individuals already involved in the project

You have already given your verbal consent for Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) to keep your personal details and record of any discussion between you and our volunteers.

You can ask us for a copy of the personal information we hold about you at any time. For details on how to do this and learn more about how we value and protect your personal data please read our main privacy notice here.