CANCER SERVICES NORTHUMBERLAND
NHS cancer information
If you have any questions about cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment or support, the NHS website has clear information and links to further support. There is advice on reducing your risk of cancer and spotting symptoms early. You can also find out about waiting times and read about specific types of cancer in more detail.
Northumberland Cancer Support Group
Northumberland Cancer Support Group is a completely voluntary self-help organisation which offers support to people facing cancer, and their family and friends. The group also offers complementary therapies including aromatherapy, reflexology and relaxation.
Coping With Cancer North East
Coping with Cancer provides social, emotional, mental and physical support for people affected by cancer. You will be given a personal support plan which could include counselling, reflexology, massage and acupuncture. Call: 0191 250 2026 or email: info@copingwithcancer.org.uk
Tynedale Hospice at Home
Tynedale Hospice at Home offers care for cancer patients throughout Tynedale, Ponteland and West Northumberland. It can provide:
- Professional needs-led end of life nursing care at home
- Discreet and friendly hospital transport service for those with a life-limiting diagnosis
- High quality pre and post bereavement services supporting patients and their families
Call: 01434 600 388 to find out more about these services.
Coronavirus information for people with cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support has put together the latest guidance around COVID-19 for people with cancer and healthcare professionals.
What to expect when receiving radiotherapy
It can feel quite daunting going to the radiotherapy department for the first time. Northern Radiotherapy Network has produced a video to provide patients with key information before their first visit. The video, below, shows how to get to the Northern centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital, where to park and what you expect at your appointment.
Financial and legal support
Citizens Advice Northumberland
Citizens Advice Northumberland provides free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues including money, benefits, housing and employment. There’s a dedicated Macmillan benefits advice line to help with any queries you may have. Call 01670 339985.
Free specialist legal advice to help with issues including your job, looking after your children, paying your mortgage or rent, insurance claims, pension entitlement, debt, wills and lasting powers of attorney.
Dragonfly Cancer Trust
Josie’s Dragonfly Trust was founded in 2007 by Cliff and Jacqui Grove in memory of their daughter Josie Madeline Grove, shortly after she passed away aged 16. The charity supports palliative cancer patients under the age of 25 to make lasting memories with their family with short breaks and special experiences. They can also help to make keepsakes and deliver creative activity boxes to children’s cancer wards.
Email: info@dragonflycancertrust.org or visit the website to find out more.
Chat Together
Chat Together is a free online support group for people living with and beyond bowel cancer. It’s a welcoming place to talk to others with bowel cancer and to meet new people.
Chats are hosted by Bowel Cancer UK staff and trained volunteers who have had bowel cancer themselves.
North Northumberland cancer support group
Informal peer-to-peer support group for anyone affected by cancer at The Mind and Sole Hub, 454 Wagonway Road, Alnwick, NE66 1QQ.
Every third Monday of the month, 2.30pm – 3,30pm.
Call: 01665 603040 for more information.
Patient transport
There are local organisations which can help if you are struggling to get to hospital appointments.
North East Ambulance Service – patient transport service for patients who have a medical condition that would prevent them from travelling to a treatment centre by any other means, or who require the skills of an ambulance care assistant during the journey.
Tynedale Hospice at Home – free transport to hospital appointments for people with a life-limiting illness registered with a GP in the Tynedale, Ponteland and West Northumberland areas.
Daft as a Brush – free transport to and from hospital for patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy cancer treatment. Referrals are made by the hospital where you are having treatment.
Local services and support
Tynedale Hospice at Home Based in Hexham, Tynedale Hospice at Home provides end of life nursing care, a hospital transport service and pre and post bereavement support to children, adults and families. All services are free. Call: 01434 600 388.
Northumberland Cancer Support Group A completely voluntary organisation that helps anyone affected by cancer.
Coping With Cancer North East Social, emotional, mental and physical care and support for people affected by cancer. Call: 0191 250 2026.
Cancern North A collaboration of organisations in the North East who offer a range of services for people affected by cancer.
Useful links
Click on the links below to find advice and support from national organisations
If you can’t find the information you need please get in touch with our Information and Signposting Service.