Support with emotional wellbeing
Cancer and its treatment can have an impact on many aspects of life. It can disrupt relationships, social functioning, finances and employment. These disruptions affect a person's mental health.
Many people find it helpful to access the support of friends, family and peers as well as organisations such as Macmillan and other cancer charities.
There are a range of services available to people affected by cancer to support with emotional wellbeing.
We are working with experts from across the system to assess cancer psychological support services and to make recommendations for improvements.
Cancer Care Map is an online resource to help people living with cancer find care and support services in their local area, anywhere in the UK.
The website is run by cancer charity The Richard Dimbleby Cancer Fund and was developed by people living with cancer, their loved ones and healthcare staff.
Macmillan Cancer Support offers emotional, physical and financial support from the moment you’re diagnosed.
To talk to a Cancer Information and Support Specialist call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
Psychologists, counsellors and NHS Talking Therapy services can help patients gain a better understanding of their feelings and thought processes.
They are trained therapists who will listen without judgement to help improve understanding and managing feelings and emotions.
Hospital counselling
Patients can be referred to one of the counsellors who work as part of the hospital cancer team.
Macmillan BUPA counselling
Through Bupa, Macmillan are offering up to four free remotely-delivered counselling sessions for people struggling emotionally because they are living with cancer.
People can self-refer using the online BUPA self referral form and access support remotely within days if they qualify to use the service.
NHS Talking Therapies
Patients can contact NHS Kent and Medway Talking Therapies services directly without a referral from a GP, or a GP can refer them.
Help is available in person, by video, over the phone or as an online course.
Multi-lingual therapists or confidential translators are available if English is not your patient’s first language.
Talking therapies are also available in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth Psychological Therapy Service.
Visit the Kent and Medway Mental Wellbeing Information Hub for details of services and support available.
Being a carer can be rewarding but the physical and emotional demands can be difficult.
Different health and social care professionals will support carers.
There are also organisations that can help, such as Carers UK and Carers Trust.
Macmillan Crossroads Care Kent offers 12 sessions of counselling, as well as practical support for carers of someone with cancer.
Contact enquiries.
