Macmillan’s mobile information service supports 11,980 people in Greater Manchester

Jo Trask, Macmillan Cancer Support Welfare Rights expert

Macmillan’s mobile cancer information and support service (MISS) has reached 11,9801 people in Greater Manchester through visits to local towns and events in 2018.

Offering emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer, the mobile service is provided by a team of cancer information specialists who travel on board mobile information buses parking up in town centres, rural locations, and events across the UK.

Last year, the service delivered 228 days in the North West reaching 36,684 people in total, including 11,980 people in Greater Manchester.

The buses contain a range of free information materials in addition to a private area for sensitive conversations.

Jo Trask, a Macmillan Information and Support Specialist on the North West unit, said: “2018 was an incredible year for the MISS team. They have seen a massive increase in enquiries, visited lots of new communities and reached thousands of people across the North West on our big green bus called Basil.

“The mobile service is a free, confidential drop-in service where visitors can step onto the unit and ask any question they have about cancer whether it relates to themselves or someone they care about.”

Throughout 2018 the MISS team visited town centres, county shows, village coffee mornings, workplaces, football stadiums, Boots stores and markets across Greater Manchester - such as Old Trafford International Cricket matches and Bowlee Car Boot Sale in Middleton.

Last year, there was a 75% annual increase in enquiries to the bus in the North West and over 86% of visitors were from deprived communities. While 54% of visits by the bus were to new communities and, across the UK, 67% of people had no previous contact with Macmillan.

Jo added: “The variety of the places we visit enables us to reach people that might not be able to access Macmillan otherwise and the queries we get cover a whole range of topics. Visitors want to know about signs and symptoms, financial advice, side-effects, local services, emotional support, end-of-life care and bereavement.

“People tell us, having someone to talk with about cancer in their community can made a real difference. That’s why, this year, we’re determined to provide even more people in the North West with cancer information and support.”

For more information about Macmillan's mobile information and support service visit:

• www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/getting-support/local-information-centres/mobile-information-bus.html