A Southport and Formby-based cancer recovery programme launched by Macmillan and NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been recognised for its inspirational work supporting people affected by cancer in the area.

Macmillan’s President, Lady Camilla Halifax, presented the Southport and Formby Cancer Recovery Programme team with the award at the prestigious 2016 Macmillan Excellence Awards, held at The Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham on 17 November.

The awards, which are now in their fifth year, were developed to celebrate the outstanding work carried out by Macmillan health and social care professionals across the country. The event recognised excellence in three areas: service improvement, innovation and integration.

The Southport and Formby Cancer Recovery Programme team, based at the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre in Southport which was set up in partnership with NHS Southport and Formby CCG was nominated for the Integration Excellence Award category. The programme was considered to have demonstrated creating an exciting new service, which has helped improve the quality and experience of care for people affected by cancer.

Their award-winning work involves supporting people with cancer during their recovery. It aims to improve physical and mental health and alleviate the feelings of isolation that can often follow the end of treatment.

The hub of the service is the Southport Macmillan Information and Support Centre in Stanley Street, but the team comprises members from various health and social care organisations such as Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, Sefton Council and the CCG who work together seamlessly. Patients finishing treatment receive a specially designed information pack detailing the support they can access, such as Health and Wellbeing events, Move More sessions and a whole host of support groups.

More than 300 Macmillan professionals as well as representatives from Macmillan and leading healthcare institutions attended the awards ceremony.

Helen Jones, Macmillan Cancer Information Centre Manager, said: “We are very proud of our Cancer Recovery Programme and are delighted the initiative has been recognised with this prestigious award. The Integration Excellence Award reflects the hard work and dedication of a team committed to improve the lives of everyone touched by cancer in Southport and Formby.

“The programme has made it more routine for people with cancer to come to us. Macmillan is all about giving the best possible support to people affected by cancer and, as a team, that’s where our hearts lie too.”

No one should face cancer alone. For support, information or if you have any questions, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk.