Northern Ireland Psychological Care Programme

We know a cancer diagnosis can have a huge impact on someone’s mental health and wellbeing. It is important that people affected by cancer are given the right support to help them cope with the emotional impact of cancer.

We are working with organisations in Northern Ireland to develop a Psychological Care Programme. The purpose of the programme is to provide mental health services to people affected by cancer in Northern Ireland, as well as the cancer professionals who support them.

The organisations we are working with are:

• Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI).

• AWARE NI
• MindWise
  

One of the organisations we are working with is Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI). CiNI is the regional umbrella body for the children’s sector in Northern Ireland. A key aspect of their work is supporting individuals and organisations through skills development and training.

They provide a training workshop called The Family Model, which is a family-focused practice serving adults, children and youth affected by mental health challenges.  

As part of Macmillan’s Psychological Care Programme, CiNI has developed a bespoke version of the workshop for cancer professionals. The workshop will: 

• Look at the interplay between parental mental and physical wellbeing, children’s welfare and family relationships and functioning.
• Introduce the concept of family focussed practice and the Think Family Model.
• Introduce participants to the The Family Model tool and it’s application to individuals and families experiencing a cancer diagnosis.
• Explore and practice the skills in having a family focussed conversation and using the The Family Model tool.

The workshop will be a mixture of teaching, demonstration and skills practice, and everyone participating will get copy of all the materials and the Think Family Model.

There are sessions scheduled from October 2024. You can find out more about the workshop and book a place on the CiNI website.

As part of the Psychological Care Programme, we are also working with organisations in Northern Ireland that offer direct support to people affected by cancer.

AWARE NI

AWARE NI is the depression charity for Northern Ireland, They support people with anxiety, depression and bi-polar. These conditions can be hereditary, develop due to life changing events and circumstances or impact of their environment. Cancer is a major life event which can have a direct impact on mental health, and so support in the form of prevention and early intervention is key to keeping well during this transition. AWARE design and deliver programmes to help participants manage their mood and embed good wellbeing practices into their day whilst also teaching techniques on how to manage thinking around change. 

These programmes include:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) based Living Life to the Full, a six-session programme that teaches participants simple practical skills to help them cope with life’s challenges. 
• Mood Matters, a programme that helps people develop different skills that they can use to maintain good mental health. 

You can find out more about the workshops and can book a place on the AWARE NI website. 

MindWise

MindWise is a mental health charity in Northern Ireland. It provides more than 30 services to people who are struggling with their mental health. MindWise is offering free coaching services to people who have been diagnosed with cancer, either recently or in the past. 

Coaching is a transformative journey of self-discovery, goal setting and growth. With a dedicated coach people will navigate challenges, set meaningful goals and cultivate strategies for success. 

Coaching will enable people to embrace recovery from setbacks, foster resilience, and personal empowerment.  

Delivered in person or online by accredited coaches, MindWise offers the following options: 

• One-to-one coaching to individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. 
• Group coaching with their loved ones in a small group setting.
• Peer group coaching to specific groups of people who have been diagnosed with cancer and are keen to meet with others going through a similar journey. 

If you would like to know more about the coaching service, you can contact MindWise to express your interest by filling in this form.

The Psychological Care Programme is a new initiative to help support people living with cancer in Northern Ireland. To help us evaluate the impact of this work, we are working with a company called Frontline. 

This means that people who take part in any of the programmes provided may be contacted by Macmillan or Frontline. We really encourage people who are contacted to share their feedback. This will us learn more about how the Psychological Care Programme is helping, and how we can improve it in the future. 

If you would like any more information on Frontline and our evaluation of the Psychological Care Programme, please contact evaluationhelp@frontlinemc.com.