We understand that cancer and cancer treatment can throw a lot your way. Sometimes it’s the day-to-day things that can feel the hardest. We’re here to listen and support you.
Are you struggling around the house cooking, cleaning, washing? Do you have others to care for and are struggling to continue. This section might be able to provide some advice and support on what you can do next.
Maintaining Independence
Maintaining independence is often important and I priority to us all. Many people would rather look after themselves at home rather than have to go into alternative housing and care.
There are certain adaptations to your home you may be able to get to help maintain your independence. These are often provided by an occupational therapist.
At Bolton council there is a service called the independent living team.
How can the service help?
- Provide advice and information
- provide or loan a range of equipment
- Telecare
- Modifications/adaptations to your home enabling you to maintain your independence and safety
- Home Support Reablement – If you require more physical support or care that will lead to your independence
For contact details see their website: https://www.bolton.gov.uk/home-help-adaptations/supporting-independence-disabled-people
Self Care
Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Its something we can do ourselves or with the help of those involved in our care.
Be kind to yourself and take time for yourself. There are many free and paid apps than can help us maintain a healthy mind.
Macmillan has launched a new partnership with Big Health to give people newly diagnosed with cancer access to free digital mental health therapies. This new service has been developed to address the two top needs of people with cancer: anxiety and insomnia.
The apps are free to use for those who have received a cancer diagnosis in the UK and anyone living with and affected by cancer in Scotland
Some things you might find helpful if you’re feeling worried, anxious or low in mood:
- Mindfulness
- Deep breathing excises
- Gratitude diary
You can care for yourself by doing gentle excise. Try not to do too much, just what your comfortable with! This can also boost your mood.
5K Your Way
- A support group with a difference
- A community-based initiative to encourage those living with and beyond cancer, families, friends and those working in cancer services to walk, jog, run, cheer or volunteer at a local 5k Your Way parkrun event on the last Saturday of every month.
- Those interested in joining the group are encouraged to register with 5k Your Way and parkrun via the following link: https://5kyourway.org/register before meeting at 08:45 on the last Saturday of every month at Leverhulme Park, Bolton.
- Physical activity has been shown to have a number of important benefits for people living with cancer. It reduces cancer related fatigue, helps to preserve cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and improves psychological well-being. It may also reduce treatment side effects, reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and prolong survival.
- For further information contact us at the Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service on 01204 663059
- *5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer is a non medical initiative and our ambassadors cannot take responsibility for providing specialist advice or care.
Physical Activity and Cancer
Get Active Feel Good
- If you’re living with or after cancer and want to make a positive change to your life, why not ask us about a move more pack. A step-by-step guide to becoming more active. You can work through the pack gradually building up the amount of physical activity you do and you’ll soon start to feel the benefits of a more active lifestyle. Click on the link below to find our more.
Health and Wellbeing Events
Our Health & Wellbeing Events provide people affected by cancer with the opportunity to talk to cancer nurse specialists and other key organisations to find out what local support, help & information is available. You can drop in to browse the information stalls and listen to presentations covering a range of cancer related topics that may include:
- Fatigue
- Diet & Nutrition
- Physical Activity
- Complementary Therapy
- Finances and benefits
- Support Groups
- Managing the emotional effects of Cancer
- Wellbeing services
The events are free of charge and are for anyone affected by cancer including family and friends, you will be able to talk to professionals from various organisations that can provide local information and support. There will also be activities throughout the day such as pamper sessions and health living. Please note for these events places are limited so please book in advance on 01204 663059.
If you have any questions regarding the events please contact us, for reminders of when the events take place please look at our upcoming events page.
Caring for your pets
When you’re affected by cancer you can often worry about who will look after your pets. You may put off treatment or financially struggle to cope with the ongoing costs of looking after your pets. But there are local services that may be able to support you: The Cinnamon Trust >
