Support and Information forpeople affected by Cancer

Macmillan Support and Information CentreBelfast City Hospital

In the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust(BHSCT) we are committed to providingpsychological and social support to thoseaffected by cancer. We work inpartnership with Cancer Charities todeliver high quality support andinformation at the Macmillan Supportand Information Centre at Belfast CityHospital.

The Macmillan Support andInformation Centre offer:

• Cancer information

• Support

• Counselling/clinical psychology

• Complementary therapy

• Benefits advice

• Make up demonstrations

• Beauty workshops (LGFB)

• Wig fitting Service

• Group relaxation and exercise classes

• Self management programmes

About our Service

The service is for anyone who is affected bycancer. To find out how we can help you ring ordrop in to the centre. We are open Monday toFriday, 9am to 4pm (closed public holidays).

Drop in service (no appointment required).

Coffee Bar We offer a range of teas, coffees and cold drinksfree of charge. These are funded by Friends ofthe Cancer Centre who also provide newspapers,magazines and fresh flowers for the Centre.

Information Zone The Information Manager, staff and trainedvolunteers are available to help guide youthrough our range of information and services.All our booklets, leaflets and audio-visualresources are free. If you don’t see what you arelooking for on display, please ask. We have manymore resources available which includeinformation about:

• Specific cancers • Treatments

• Living with cancer • Benefits

• Caring for someone with cancer

Art Therapy(provided by Cancer Focus NI)

Art therapy provides a way of expressing yourselfwhen you may find it difficult to talk about yourfeelings. It can also help you relax and promotepeace of mind. No artistic ability or previousexperience is required. A group session is heldonce a week and there is no need to book. Pleasecheck Centre timetable for times. Individual andin-patients appointments can al so be arranged.

Meditation and visualisation(one hour session)

Learn a combination of techniques to relax andreduce stress. A one hour session is held once aweek and there is no need to book. Please checkCentre Timetable for times.

Services by appointment

Complementary Therapy Service(funded by Friends of the Cancer Centre,Haematology Charitable Fund, BHSCT)

Our complementary therapists have additionaltraining to treat people who have had a cancerdiagnosis. Following an assessment appointmenta treatment plan will be devised that best suitsyour needs. We offer aromatherapy, massage,reflexology and acupuncture. Please see theCentre Complementary Therapy leaflet for moredetails. We offer an out-patient and in patientservice.

Counselling and Psychology(provided by Cancer Focus NI and ClinicalPsychology Department)

Professionally trained counsellors and clinicalpsychologists offer individual emotional support.You can self refer to the counselling service or aska healthcare professional involved in your care to

refer you. The Clinical Psychology departmentrequires a referral by a healthcare professional.

Macmillan Citizen’s Advice Bureau Macmillan Citizen’s Advice Bureau providesadvice on social security benefits to people withcancer. Appointments for this service can bearranged by telephoning 0300 1233 233

Wig Fitting Service(Hair Affair contracted by BHSCT)

Experienced hairdressers offer confidentialconsultations and a wide range of high qualitywigs in different styles for patients who havehair loss (alopecia) as a result of theirtreatment. This service is free to patientsreceiving their treatment in the Belfast Healthand Social Care Trust. Referral from yourhealthcare professional is required for thisservice. Please see the Wig Fitting leaflet formore information. Patients can call in or ring tomake an appointment.

Group SessionsPlease contact the Centre for dates, times andto book a place

Make up Demonstrations(provided by Cancer Focus NI)

A one hour make up demonstration especiallydesigned for people going through treatment.The demonstration covers how to look afteryour skin, apply make-up and create and fill ineyebrows.

Look Good Feel Better(provided by the Cosmetic, Toiletry andPerfumery Foundation)

This is a beauty workshop for patients. Eachparticipant will be assisted in applying makeupduring the session. You will receive a gift ofskincare and makeup products.

Relaxation and Exercise Classes(funded by Friends of the Cancer Centre)

We offer a range of relaxation and exerciseclasses. Please check Centre timetable for timesand if booking is required.

• Gentle yoga

• Meditation and Visualisation Day

• Pilates

• Tai Chi

Please see the Centre Complementary Therapyleaflet for more information.

Self Management Programmes

A number of self management courses whichare aimed at helping people living with or aftercancer are held in the centre during the year.

Cancer Related Fatigue Workshopfour week course (2.15 hours per week)To help you manage fatigue, which is a common side effect of cancer. The workshopsare delivered by the Hospital multi-professionalteam and complementary therapy service.

Macmillan’s HOPE(Helping to Overcome Problems Effectively) Six week course (2.30 hours per week).To help you rediscover your strengths, managethe day to day impact of your conditions anddiscover ways to take control of your health andwell being (Macmillan and BHSCT).

Zest for LifeSix week programme (3 hours per week).The course is designed for people who are on a survival and recovery period in their cancerjourney. It will explore personal developmentwith strong emphasis on improving physical andmental health well being (Cancer Focus NI).

Writing my Cancer JourneyFive week programme (3 hours per week)writing offers you the safety to unearth andexpress what you think and feel. It can help youmake sense of what you have experienced.(Cancer Focus NI). To register or find out moredetails about any of above please contact thecentre.

Useful ContactsMacmillan Information Service Level 2, Royal Victoria Hospital Grosvenor Road Belfast, BT12 6BA

Tel: (028) 9063 0022Email: cancerinfo.royal@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Cancer Focus NI Free phone Helpline

0800 783 3339

Macmillan Support Line

0808 808 0000

Useful Web sites http: //belfasttrust-cancerservices.hscni.net

www.survivorship.cancer.net

Supporting our workIf you would like to support the work of theCentre by making a donation please speak to amember of staff. Cheques should be madepayable to BCH Charitable Funds. You can alsomake a donation directly to any of our partnerorganisations listed on back page.

Contact details

Macmillan Support and Information CentreBelfast City Hospital77-81 Lisburn RoadBelfastBT9 7AB

Tel: (028) 9063 8980Email: cancer.info@belfasttrust.hscni.netWeb site: http://www.belfasttrust.hscni.net

Transport

By BusBuses from Belfast City Centre stop right outsidethe Centre and Belfast City Hospital. Metro busruns a regular service on routes 9a and 9b.Ulsterbus routes stop near the main entrance.

By RailNI Railways has a halt beside Belfast City Hospital,which is a short walk to the Centre.

Contact Translink on 028 9066 6630 for timetableinformation.

By CarCar parking is available at Belfast City Hospital (carparking charges may apply).

Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service

WindsorHouse

Public Car Park

Public Car Park

Glenview Building

Macmillan Support & Information Centre

CityHospitalStation

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Bus

Bus

Lisburn Rd

Bus

Bus

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Belfast CityHospital Tower

Cancer Centre

Entrance to Hospital Site

Entrance to Hospital Site

How to find us

The Macmillan Support and InformationCentre is run in partnership with:

Date: June 2013. Date for review: June 2015

This leaflet is available in large print. Please ask a member of staff.