Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project
What is the Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project?
The Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project provides virtual emotional and practical support to Deaf people living with cancer across the UK. It also supports their carers, including Deaf people who are supporting a hearing person living with cancer.
Watch an overview of the project from Niki Johnson, Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project Manager.
The video is in BSL and has closed captions (CC).
How the Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project can help
In partnership with Self Help UK, this two-year pilot will improve access to cancer information and support for Deaf people.
Trained Deaf volunteers will provide one on one virtual support in British Sign Language (BSL). They will:
- Help you cope emotionally with living with or after cancer
- Provide practical support and signpost you to other local services that can help
- Conduct an electronic Holistic Needs Assessment (eHNA) to ensure you get personalised care
- Provide medium level advocacy support in complex cases.
You can also talk to other Deaf people affected by cancer through our virtual peer support groups.
The Deaf volunteers at Self Help UK can also provide advice on welfare rights, work and employment and energy advice as well as signposting to free counselling and financial support.
Watch Eleni's story about the barriers she experienced after being diagnosed with breast cancer, and how the Deaf Cancer Support Project helped her.
The video is in BSL and has closed captions (CC).
How can I access the Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project?
The Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project is available to anyone living with cancer in the Deaf community. It also supports their carers, including Deaf people who are supporting a hearing person living with cancer.
You can access the service by contacting DeafCancer@selfhelp.org.uk. Referrals can also be made by healthcare professionals in the same way.