THE MACMILLAN mobile information service has reached 3,534 people in West Wales this year through visits to towns and events in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.
This fantastic figure is part of a record 15,810 people in Wales who have received information or support through the mobile unit team.
The buses have visited major events throughout the year, including the Pembrokeshire Show, where they reached over 3,000 people in these three days alone.
The mobile team were joined each day at the show by a different Macmillan professional, including a Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Specialist, an Information and Support Coordinator and a Skin Cancer Nurse Specialist.
Adding their specialist knowledge to the team were a group of Boots No7 Advisors, who could offer advice on the physical effects of cancer treatment.
Signs and symptoms cards were available in both English and Welsh and were handed out throughout the event.
Karen Howarth, Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Specialist at Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering on the mobile Macmillan bus at this year’s Pembrokeshire show.
“Talking and listening to people outside of the hospital environment was extremely valuable as a cancer nurse.
“One of the many highlights was to hear about the positive experiences that patients from West Wales have had.”
Towns that have been visited by the bus, or the team on foot, in 2016 included Llanwrda, Carmarthen, Llanelli and Milford Haven.
The team were even invited to join a coffee morning event in Llanpumsaint, where they could engage people who may not have had access to services in bigger towns.
The mobile service is provided through the two Macmillan buses ‘Bertie’ and ‘Betty’ that travel around the country, parking up in town centres, rural locations and at events.
The buses hold a wide range of information materials that are free for anyone to take away with them, in addition to hosting a private area for sensitive conversations.
Information and support specialists, alongside a dedicated bus driver, make up the mobile unit team that join Bertie and Betty on all visits.
Michelle Smith, Macmillan’s Senior Lead Cancer Information Specialist for the mobile service, said: “It has been an amazing year!
“The Mobile Information Team and Macmillan Wales have reached more people than ever before both with the big green bus and on foot.
“The mobile service appeals to so many because it is a free, confidential drop-in service where a visitor can step onto the unit and ask any question they have about cancer, whether it relates to themselves or someone they care about.
“This has enabled us to reach people that might not otherwise be able to access Macmillan.
“Queries cover a whole range of topics, including signs and symptoms, genetics, financial advice, side-effects of treatment, local services available, specific cancer detail, emotional support, end-of-life care and bereavement.”
If you didn’t visit the service when it came to your area, but have questions about cancer, you can call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 or log on to www.macmillan.org.uk.
Macmillan can only fund services such as this thanks to the generosity of the public.
To find out more how you can help, call 0300 1000 200 or visit www. macmillan.org.uk/fundraising.
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