SOUTHEND Hospital is home to the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, which saw 9,000 visitors alone last year, providing high quality information and tailored support to people affected by cancer - including patients, their relatives, carers and professionals.

But its manager, Fred Englund, wanted to reach even more people and share the wealth of helpful info and expertise out into hard to reach parts of the local community.

So they have has organised a free morning workshop called Challenging Cancer Together on Tuesday July 12, from 10am to 1pm, in partnership with St Luke’s Church on St Luke’s Road, in Southend.

Free lunch and refreshments will also be provided.

The morning will feature a series of informative short talks covering what cancer is and how can it be treated, the impact of cancer on the patient and family , how to support somebody affected by cancer and much more.

Mrs Englund said: “If some local people feel they can’t get to our Macmillan Centre then we’ll bring it to them. Cancer is universally feared and people often still think ‘am I going to die?’ when they are first diagnosed, but almost 50% of cancers can now cured.

“There are lots of things people can do to improve the quality of life and reduce the risk of cancer. This workshop is about telling people what cancer is and how it can be treated and what each individual can do to make a difference.”

As well as talks there will also a market place with stalls from related organisations to help transform the morning into a one-stop-shop for cancer advice and related well-being.

Those confirmed to attend include the Citizens Advice Bureau include Christians Against Poverty, a community dietician, Macmillan Information and Support Centre; Smoking Cessation, health trainers, Family Mosaic, Active Life and Therapy for You

Father James McCluskey, from St Luke’s , said: “We are delighted to be partnering Southend Hospital’s Macmillan team as they offer a shortcut to knowledge and awareness about cancer and its impact on sufferers and families. We welcome anyone who wants to find out more, particularly about leading a healthy lifestyle generally which can help prevent cancer and other illnesses.

“At St Luke’s Church and Centre we are known for hosting regular activities and information events to help people improve their physical, mental and emotional health. We’re very excited to have this event taking place in the heart of this area from which access to the hospital by public transport is a big challenge for local people.”