Southport Macmillan Centre

Southport and Formby Cancer Navigator Service is currently under threat of closure from the end of March 2026 as many of our service users are aware. Southport and Formby Primary Care Network who fund this service, have put a notice on their website for patients to refer to if they have contacted their GP Surgery to voice concerns.

In our opinion we feel that this statement does not give a detailed enough picture of the devasting effect this will have on the wider Southport Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Service. We would like to add some details to put this decision in context. If the funding is withdrawn as the PCN have informed us it will be, then we will lose 70% of our staff team. This includes our specialist Cancer Rehab Personal Trainer. With a remaining team of 1.5 staff, we will not be able to provide the same level of emotional and psychological support to service users. Our exercise programme will have to stop and many of our other activities will be greatly reduced.

We would like to thank all those supporters who have raised their concerns with their GPs and with their MP

Thank you, Justine

Having the right kind of information and support, at the right time, is essential. The Southport Macmillan Centre provides a free, confidential drop-in service for anyone affected by cancer. This includes people who:

• require information about cancer
• have a cancer diagnosis
• are living with the consequences of a cancer diagnosis
• are living with and beyond cancer
• are looking to reduce the risks of cancer
• are a carer, relative or friend of someone with cancer
• are health and social care professionals

Staffed by Macmillan information and support staff, Social Prescribing Link Worker – Cancer Specialists (part of your GP Team) and trained volunteers, we are able to provide:
• literature and internet access on all aspects of living with cancer, including work and travel issues
• the opportunity to talk to someone in a friendly environment, and advice on how to access further emotional support eg counselling
• help with accessing financial advice including benefits and support applying for grants
• information about practical help that is available for example onward referrals to Occupational Therapy and Social Services.
• information on living well, physical activity, relaxation and healthy eating
• links with health and social care professionals.

We also run a number of support groups at the Southport Macmillan Centre and locally e.g. a Walking Group, Singing Group and Craft Groups. There are also cancer specific support groups locally that we can signpost you to. We also deliver a course called the HOPE Course’ which is a course to support you after cancer treatment and help you feel more like yourself again.

We organise several ‘Health and Wellbeing Events’ each year, in partnership with Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Trust, and Southport and Formby CCG. You can find further information about these on the relevant pages on our website.

We are happy to receive donations for the work of the Centre. Cheques should be made to Southport and Formby Cancer Information Centre CIC.

We are an independent not for profit company and all funds will be spent directly for the benefit of Centre users