Macmillan Information

Peer Advocacy Project: support for older people with cancer

A growing number of older people with cancer across Staffordshire will now receive additional support and information thanks to the success of an advocacy pilot project, jointly funded by Macmillan and the Big Lottery Silver Dreams Programme.

The Advocacy on the Wards project was initially piloted in four sites across the UK, one of which is delivered by the Beth Johnson Foundation covering Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. The project began in July 2012 with a primary aim of providing effective and independent advocacy support to older people affected by cancer, supporting them to speak out and get their views heard on decisions related to their treatment and care.

The success of the pilot has lead to the announcement further investment from Macmillan to extend the pilot beyond the initial 18months and to increase the reach of the service to make it Staffordshire wide.

In its first 18 months the project recruited 10 volunteer advocates who had a direct experience of the impact a cancer diagnosis can have themselves. These advocates supported 36 local people over the age of 50, who were facing their cancer diagnosis alone.

Advocates provide support around a wide variety of issues including treatment and care, social and financial difficulties, employment issues and providing a listening ear. One homeless client has been supported to apply for sheltered housing with a social housing association, obtain furniture from the local furniture mine, to have a DWP assessment and apply for PIP. An elderly gentleman, with no relatives, requested the advocate to obtain information on Will making, organ donation, Lasting Power of Attorney and advanced decision making regarding his care. The advocate discussed these issues with the client and was present during the appointment with the Solicitor and ensured that the client had all his wishes recorded.

Kath Curley, Cancer Advocacy Project Co-ordinator at The Beth Johnson Foundation, said: “It is fantastic that the pilot has been so successful that Macmillan have decided to extend the project. Many older people feel vulnerable following a cancer diagnosis and are not confident or well informed enough to ask the right questions and ensure that they get the most appropriate treatment. Our advocates support them to speak out and to get the information they need to make informed decisions on their care.”

Marika Hills, Macmillan Development Manager, said: “The success of the pilot is a real testament to how important this project is. Evidence is mounting that older people are less likely to receive the treatment they need when cancer is diagnosed, despite the fact that cancer rates increase with age. No one should have face cancer alone, and with support like this in place we can help ensure no one has to.”

If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just someone to talk to, call free, Monday to Friday 9am-8pm on 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk. For more information about the Staffordshire Peer Advocacy and Support Project please contact Kath Curley on 01782 844036 or visit www.bjf.org.uk

About Macmillan Cancer Support

More than one in three of us will get cancer. For most of us it will be the toughest fight we ever face. And the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many people experience make it even harder.

But you don’t have to go through it alone. The Macmillan team is with you every step of the way.

We are the nurses and therapists helping you through treatment. The experts on the end of the phone. The advisers telling you which benefits you’re entitled to. The volunteers giving you a hand with the everyday things. The campaigners improving cancer care. The community there for you online, any time. The supporters who make it all possible.

Together, we are all Macmillan Cancer Support.