Now we need to hear your views on cancer …
In October Macmillan and Birmingham LGBT Community Trust held held an information event for members of the LGBT communities and the following suggestions for improving the experience of LGBT people affected by cancer were put forward in the work groups and during discussions:
A specifically LGBT area on Macmillan’s website – there was strong support for an online community – suggested name the Rainbow Room – there is already a facility within Macmillan’s website for individuals to set up their own community groups: http://community.macmillan.org.uk/groups/
Links on Macmillan’s website to LGBT resources such as Terence Higgins Trust
Links on LGBT websites to Macmillan’s website – see Birmingham lgbt Community Trust website: www.blgbt.org/
Macmillan advertising in LGBT publications both national and regional and promotional material in electronic newsletters
An LGBT leaflet should be co-produced by Macmillan and people affected by cancer from LGBT communities
Buddying and befriending peer support after a cancer diagnosis would be welcome
Macmillan to skill up existing LGBT organisations and services such as counsellors, advice lines etc by offering free training courses such as Open College Network accredited Cancer Support Course – this will run in Birmingham in 2010 – for further details email:
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The group endorsed the value and importance of LGBT people “telling their story” both to support, inspire and reassure other people affected by cancer and to educate professionals – you can register as a Cancer Voice and access opportunities to share your experience on Macmillan’s website: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/GetInvolved/CancerVoices/CancerVoices.aspx
Macmillan to become a visible presence at LGBT events, ie., Pride
LGBT specific counsellor should be available at and beyond diagnosis; more support/reassurance needed for family & friends
More attention to be paid to impact of treatment once discharged from hospital, including need for emotional, practical and social support
If you’ve had a cancer experience, as a patient, carer, friend or family member, and you’ve got something to say that could improve cancer services and cancer support for LGBT people and their families, then we want to hear from you. You can email me:
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or call me: 01543 268216 in complete confidence.
Or, for cancer support over the phone, call free on 0808 808 00 00 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 8pm) or visit us online, anytime, at www.macmillan.org.uk
