A new project created by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s Square Mile programme and Macmillan Cancer Support aims to create a community network for cancer patients and their families in Leicester city.
The initiative will deliver new opportunities that will be offered to anyone experiencing cancer, no matter where they are in the journey.
The network, called Reach Out Leicester, will target people in hard to reach communities, offering them the opportunity to shape services and raise awareness of the support available to them.
Furthermore by connecting with DMU Square Mile, patients and families will be offered the chance to work with researchers and academics to share in their skills and knowledge.
Bespoke projects supported by DMU Square Mile and Macmillan volunteers will be created, aimed at meting the needs of those experiencing cancer, ranging from legal advice to IT refresher courses.
DMU Square Mile manager, Mark Charlton, said: “Macmillan Cancer Support is quite clear that ‘no one should face cancer alone’.
“For the past few weeks DMU Square Mile has been working with Macmillan to create a project that makes sure this is the case across Leicester’s diverse communities.
“We want to help people shape projects that will truly benefit people at any stage of their cancer journey and give them the chance to connect with the expertise of staff at DMU and benefit from working with students who are keen to give their time to drive the ‘Reach Out Leicester’ campaign forward.”
Danielle Mellows, Macmillan Involvement Co-ordinator, said: “No one should face cancer alone, but sadly many do especially in hard-to-reach communities.
“This initiative with De Montfort University will help to keep people affected by cancer connected, to lessen those feelings of isolation, as well as providing valuable support when they need it most.”
By getting involved in ‘Reach Out Leicester’, cancer patients and their families will be invited to regular public meetings to shape the project and its opportunities.
So far, suggestions for projects include: free IT sessions, free legal advice, careers workshops, language support, days out for families, media projects to promote understanding.
On Monday, 29 June, DMU will host an open forum for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced cancer, working with patients or is a relative of someone living with cancer to hear more about the project.
There will be two sessions from 2pm to 4pm, and 6pm to 8pm, to give as many people as possible the chance to get involved.
Anyone wishing to book a space or join the ‘Reach Out Leicester’ network database can email squaremile@dmu.ac.uk or call 0116 257 7102.
Posted on Wednesday 10 June 2015