About Cancer Lifeline
Cancer Lifeline is a unique user led community based cancer support organisation. It was formed in Oct 1999 by a group of local women diagnosed with cancer in response to a lack of local, accessible cancer support provision. Crucially the organisation still retains its grass roots user led ethos and continues to be managed by a committee of local representatives all of whom are living with cancer themselves. The organisation is committee to supporting those coping with a cancer diagnosis and their family members / carers in the North Belfast community, including the Shankill and Glengormley. This was identified via an independent evaluation of services in Dec 05 as a gap area for cancer support provision. This community is noted for its high levels of deprivation, poor health indices and higher incidences of cancer in comparison to other parts of Belfast. Over the last ten years the organisation has developed a much needed and valued schedule of service provision which includes three core areas of work.
(i) Improving the health and wellbeing of those affected by cancer through a range of practical information and support services e.g. library services, support groups, peer support, welfare benefits advice, newsheet production, complementary therapies, counselling etc.
(ii) Addressing inequalities in health by facilitating innovative health improvement programmes directed at the heart of local communities where it is needed most e.g. health education training, coping skills, stress reduction, presentation of the mobile drama project raising the important message of early detection.
(iii) Engaging project beneficiaries in service delivery improvement. Drawing on peoples experiences of good and poor practice can make a significant contribution to the planning development and future delivery of cancer services for all. E.g. through taking part in research, participation in patient / user forums, consultation exercises on literature development meeting with health service staff to reflect on practice etc.
