A free service that aims to provide one-to-one personal support to people with cancer to enables them to live as independently as possible is being embedded across the Scottish Borders.
The project is being delivered in partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support, NHS Borders, British Red Cross and Scottish Borders Council.
It’s part of a joint national programme, Transforming Care After Treatment (TCAT), which is funded by Macmillan. It looks to test and spread new ways of supporting people with cancer across Scotland after their treatment has finished.
Cancer is a life changing experience that can affect all aspects of life and results in changes that can last long after treatment ends.
Many people don’t know where to turn to for help with these changes and struggle on alone.
Originally operating in and around Peebles, TCAT offers tailored advice, information and support to people with cancer to help them regain control over their lives.
It works with the person, their family and friends to help them:
- focus on what is important to their recovery
- build up emotional and physical strength
- re-engage with friends and activities.
TCAT Project Co-ordinator, Dawn Dickson, said: “The original pilot in Tweeddale has been so successful that people living with cancer across the Scottish Borders are now able to access the service.
“Many people who have finished their cancer treatment don’t know where to turn. We are able to fill that gap by providing emotional support, advice or practical help.”
To find out more contact the Red Cross on 01896 751888.
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