By Elina Kobzar

Copyright dailyrecord

A new service to ensure people living with cancer and their families are offered emotional, practical and wellbeing support has been launched in Ayrshire and Arran, as part of a successful model delivered across Scotland. The Improving Cancer Journey (ICJ) service is jointly funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and Scottish Government, working in partnership with East, North and South Ayrshire’s health and social care partnerships and NHS Ayrshire & Arran. The service aims to provide every person affected by cancer, including families and carers, with vital assistance in finding support for any non-clinical concerns they may have. Macmillan facilitators will help individuals to identify their non-clinical needs and support them to access advice, information and support. The facilitators will work one-to-one with patients, families, and carers to develop personalised care plans, outlining goals and actions for support. The service is part of the Improving the Cancer Journey initiative, which is already in place in other parts of Scotland. Gordon McLean, Devolved Nations Manager and Nations Lead (Scotland) for Macmillan, said: “Cancer has a huge impact on every aspect of people’s lives and many people tell us they don’t know where to turn for help. This new service should make sure everyone with cancer and their families and carers in Ayrshire & Arran have someone to call on for help. “ICJ workers will help individuals to identify their needs and access expert support, from practical advice to emotional support – whatever they might need. We hope this service will transform cancer support across Ayrshire and Arran. “It’s thanks to the continued support from people locally, who fundraise for us and donate so generously, that we are able to fund this vital new service. With their help we can make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in Ayrshire & Arran.” On average, approximately 2,621 people are diagnosed with cancer in Ayrshire and Arran each year, and an estimated 15,907 people are living with cancer; however this does not count the carers providing support. Dr Caroline Rennie, Macmillan Nurse Consultant at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, explained some of the wider benefits that the service will have for cancer patients. She said: “Improving the Cancer Journey will add to established services available in NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Through joint working, it will release time for clinical nurse specialists for advanced patient care, whilst ensuring needs are met and improving the overall patient experience.” Councillor Clare Maitland, East Ayrshire Council’s Spokesperson for Health and Social Care, closed the launch event. She said: “At the launch, we heard from speakers across Ayrshire who have been supporting this remarkable service through its development and into the success we see today. “We were also very fortunate to watch a first-hand account from Miles who has been using the service to hear about the impact it has had on him and his family. “In his video he remarked that asking for help is a strength and not a weakness, and that he would say to anyone considering accessing the service to jump at the chance and not to do this journey alone. “I am so pleased that more people like Miles will be able to benefit from this service and make the most of what our community has to offer.” Caroline Cameron, Director of North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “We are delighted to mark the launch of this fantastic service across Ayrshire and Arran, which will see us working in partnership with our colleagues in NHS Ayrshire & Arran, the Ayrshire HSCPs and Macmillan Cancer Support to deliver support to those living with cancer and their families. “We know that a diagnosis of cancer can affect so much more than an individual’s physical health, and we hope that this service will make it much easier for people with cancer to find out about the support that is available and how to access it.” Tim Eltringham, Director of Health and Care Services in South Ayrshire, said: “I was delighted to be asked to speak at the event, and the launch of this new service is a fantastic opportunity to address one of the key health issues in our Ayrshire communities. “Everyone’s cancer journey is different, and this service ensures that members of our communities can access the vital support they need, at the right time and in the right place for them.” The service is free and available to anyone, aged 16 and over, living in Ayrshire and Arran that has been affected by cancer. This includes people living with cancer and those affected by cancer such as partners, carers and family members. To find out more about the Ayrshire and Arran Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey service, call 01563 827028, email aa.icj@aapct.scot.nhs.uk or visit the website here . Don’t miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter