A NEW scheme means that people affected by cancer in Thurrock will have much needed cancer information at their fingertips in their local library.
The project has been put in place thanks to a partnership between charity Macmillan Cancer Support, Essex Cancer Network, Essex County Council, Thurrock Council and Southend on Sea Borough Council.
Around 8,000 people in Essex find out they have cancer each year but currently information about cancer is mainly available through hospitals when patients receive a diagnosis.
Under the new scheme, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, the libraries in Thurrock, will each hold a comprehensive collection of books and leaflets about cancer. This will all be accredited for accuracy and reliability by Macmillan.
Myfanwy Howells, Macmillan Information Resource Service co-ordinator, based at St Luke’s House, said: “Information is vital to help people living with cancer and their families understand what has happened and help them make choices, for example about their treatment.
“It can also help reassure people who may feel anxious or afraid when they find out that they have cancer, and make it easier to communicate with healthcare professionals. This new scheme means that good quality reliable information about cancer and living with the affects of it is available borough-wide.”
Cllr Redsell, Cabinet Member for Community, Culture and Leisure said: “Thurrock Council is delighted to work with Macmillan on this excellent new scheme, which will provide valuable information to residents.
“The Council is committed to providing a first rate library service that is responsive to residents’ needs. Thanks to Macmillan, our libraries will be an excellent source of information and support for residents at a difficult time.”
