Healthcare professionals, people affected by cancer and partners from across Lancashire and South Cumbria came together to highlight the importance of psychological support in cancer care as the Macmillan Psychological Health in Cancer Service celebrated its first anniversary.
The event, held at the North West Auction Centre in Crooklands, brought together representatives from healthcare, hospice care and cancer support organisations to reflect on the service’s achievements over the past year and explore how psychological support can continue to be strengthened for patients and families.
The Macmillan Psychological Health in Cancer Service is hosted by Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
Since launching last year, the service has worked to ensure emotional and psychological wellbeing is recognised as an essential part of cancer care. It provides specialist psychological assessment and evidence-based therapies to support people throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
The service also supports healthcare professionals through training, guidance and supervision, helping to embed psychological care across cancer services and ensuring more patients can access the support they need.
The anniversary event featured a range of presentations and discussions focused on the emotional impact of cancer and the positive difference that timely psychological support can make. Attendees also heard personal experiences from people affected by cancer, highlighting the value of accessible and compassionate support.
Dr Jennifer Pomfret, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Clinical Lead for the Macmillan Psychological Health in Cancer Service, said: "Over the past year we have seen the significant impact psychological support can have for people affected by cancer. Emotional wellbeing is a vital part of cancer care, and this event provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved so far while strengthening partnerships that will help shape the future of the service."
The event, supported by Macmillan Cancer Support, reinforced the importance of partnership working to ensure emotional and psychological support remains a key component of high-quality cancer care across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
As the service enters its second year, partners remain committed to building on its success and improving access to psychological support for people living with and beyond cancer.
