A new scheme to help Deaf people living with cancer in Cumbria has been launched.
Macmillan Cancer Support and Self Help UK have joined forces to improve the support available in a two-year pilot.
The Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project offers one-on-one emotional and practical support remotely in British Sign Language through trained Deaf volunteers. It will also support carers, including Deaf people who are supporting a hearing person with cancer.
The pandemic highlighted a number of barriers to accessing cancer information and support for the Deaf community in Cumbria. This included lack of interpreters at some medical appointments and a shortage of cancer information in BSL.
One in three people with cancer in the UK who are also living with hearing loss or deafness say the pandemic has made it harder for them to access healthcare or treatment in general in recent months, Macmillan Cancer Support said. This compares with around one in five people with cancer who do not have any hearing loss.
The project will also give Deaf people with cancer access to virtual peer support groups and provide advocacy support in complex cases. A website tailored to the needs of Deaf people with cancer will provide information in BSL.
Heather McLean, head of partnerships for the Macmillan in the North and North West, said: “Being diagnosed with cancer can be a frightening experience and it is unacceptable that Deaf people do not have equal access to vital support.
“We will do whatever it takes to change this so we can be there for everyone living with cancer. This new partnership with Self Help UK will ensure that anyone facing a cancer diagnosis in the Deaf community can access emotional and practical support when they need it most.”
To find out more about the Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support Project or access support visit www.selfhelp.org.uk/deafcancersupport or email [email protected]
