You do not need an appointment – you are welcome to drop in during opening hours.
Whatever stage you are at, or whatever cancer you have, we are here for you. What matters to you, matters to us. Our cancer support specialists are available to listen, answer non-clinical questions and offer guidance in a safe, friendly environment. No question is too small if it matters to you.
The centre is located at the rear of West Suffolk Hospital, within the Macmillan Unit. You can find us in the main outpatient reception area.
Services we provide
What the Macmillan Information Centre can offer you while receiving treatment
A cancer diagnosis can bring many questions and worries. You may be looking for emotional or practical support at different stages of your journey.
We offer a safe and welcoming space where you can talk openly. Sometimes, having someone to listen can make a real difference.
Our team can provide information, guidance and signposting to services that may help with your health, wellbeing and day-to-day concerns.
Above all, we are here to support you and those close to you.
Patient information and support
The Cancer Care Navigator service works alongside the Macmillan Information Centre to offer the same support to patients and families who may not visit the hospital regularly or may find it difficult to attend the centre.
We can arrange a time to talk with you by phone or meet you face to face at your GP practice or local health centre. Our focus is on your non-clinical needs, such as emotional, practical or wellbeing concerns.
We use a simple questionnaire called a Holistic Needs Assessment to help identify what matters most to you and the support you may need. Follow-up appointments can be arranged where appropriate.
You can be referred by your GP or another healthcare professional, or you can contact the service directly.
A cancer diagnosis can bring unexpected financial pressures. Our benefits advisers can help you understand what financial support you may be entitled to and what help is available.
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer or are currently having treatment, you may be able to access extra support through benefits, depending on your circumstances. This may include help with costs such as travel to hospital, heating, clothing, wigs or essential household items.
Support is available by telephone or face to face, by appointment only.
Staying physically active during and after cancer treatment can have many benefits for your health and wellbeing.
Being active can help you to:
maintain your fitness, strength and mental wellbeing
manage side effects such as fatigue
reduce the risk of longer-term effects from treatment
We can refer you to services that support safe physical activity and wellbeing, including holistic and complementary therapies. This may include wellbeing days, relaxation therapies or makeovers, where available.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed at any stage of a cancer diagnosis or treatment. Support is available to help you manage difficult thoughts and emotions.
Thanks to the support of My WiSH Charity, we can offer a free counselling service for cancer patients who need psychological support. To find out more, speak to your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or contact the Macmillan Information Centre.
You can also access NHS Suffolk Talking Therapies, which provides support for anxiety, depression and emotional wellbeing.
The HOPE course is a free six-week programme for people affected by cancer. It offers a supportive space to meet others, share experiences and move on from cancer with confidence, with one session held each week.
During the course, you will learn how to:
take control of your health and wellbeing
build self-esteem, confidence and a positive outlook
manage stress and learn ways to relax
cope with fatigue and low energy levels
Sessions take place once a week from 10.00am to 12.30pm, over a six-week period. Courses are held at Moreton Hall Community Centre.
The HOPE course is provided with the support of My WiSH Charity.
What patients say about HOPE
"It’s a chance to meet likeminded people going through different cancer treatments, everyone has a different experience, but it’s a chance to all be together and be given structure on how you’re feeling. It gives it you value and meaning and lots of tools and tricks to help you basically go through your cancer recovery."
"It gives you the chance to talk to other people about their experience, and to come up with solutions together."
"Many new friendships are made here and helps you to move on more positively."
"Following discharge after months of treatment I felt abandoned. Over the past year I’d gone through so much and had lots of support. Scores of hospital appointments were now over. I thought I should feel better but I felt as though I was in a black hole. I even felt guilty. Family and friends didn’t understand. I’m so grateful to my nurse for suggesting the HOPE course. I can honestly say that the course saved my life. I feel calmer, more positive, more confident and know that I’m not alone in the feelings I have and problems I have faced."
We can help you find local support groups, either for specific cancer types or for people affected by cancer more generally, including patients, families and carers.
Support groups offer a safe and welcoming space to share experiences, connect with others and learn from people who understand what you are going through.
We can provide information about travel insurance companies that have been recommended by other people affected by cancer.
If you are attending hospital regularly for treatment, you may be entitled to free parking. Our team can explain what support is available and how to apply.
Hair loss can be a side effect of some cancer treatments and can be difficult to cope with. Our team can offer practical information and emotional support to help you manage any changes you may experience.
We can support you with:
Preparing for partial or total hair loss
Accessing and choosing wigs
Turbans, scarves and bandanas
Coping with other people’s reactions
Changes such as loss of eyebrows, eyelashes and facial hair
One-to-one physiotherapy sessions are available by appointment with our Macmillan physiotherapist. These sessions provide tailored support to help you manage the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment.
Support is available for:
Breathlessness
Anxiety
Fatigue
Safe and appropriate exercise before, during and after treatment
Appointments are available on Tuesdays, 1.30pm to 5.30pm, and are by appointment only.
We offer free creative workshops throughout the year for people affected by cancer.
These sessions provide an opportunity to try creative activities in a supportive environment, helping you to express yourself, take time out and connect with others who may be having similar experiences. No previous experience is needed.
Creative workshops are open to cancer patients and are designed to support wellbeing alongside treatment and recovery.
For more information, or to find out about upcoming workshops, To book, please visit or contact the Macmillan Information Centre on 01284 713023 or email cancer.infocentre@wsh.nhs.uk.
We have a wide range of information available to support you at every stage of your diagnosis. This includes booklets and leaflets covering specific cancer types, treatment side effects, and guidance for supporting children and families.
The leaflets and booklets available in the centre are provided by Macmillan. You are welcome to visit us to browse the information or to speak with a member of the team.
Help us improve our services by sharing your experience.
We run a feedback group for cancer patients, carers and health professionals, which meets every eight weeks. The group provides an opportunity to talk about what is working well and where we can make improvements to cancer services.
We are currently looking for new members to join the group. If you are able to spare a few hours every eight weeks and would like to have your voice heard, we would welcome your involvement.
My WiSH Charity, our hospital charity, supports the cancer unit by funding additional services that enhance the care and support you receive. This includes HOPE courses, counselling, exercise classes and Mama B’s wellbeing support.
