Disability Solutions West Midlands:
Cancer Connect is a project delivered by Disability Solutions West Midlands in partnership with, and funded by, Macmillan Cancer Support. The project supports people living with cancer who are also living with a disability or long-term health condition.
A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing, and if you are already living with a disability or long-term health condition, you may face additional challenges throughout your cancer journey. You may find it harder to access services, communicate your needs, manage everyday life, or cope with the emotional and practical impact of treatment.
Cancer Connect provides personalised, community-focused support for disabled people affected by cancer. Using our Social Prescribing+ approach, we work alongside you to understand how your disability and cancer affect your daily life, helping you access the right support, reduce barriers to care and improve your wellbeing throughout your cancer journey.
What the Project Can Offer
Using our enhanced Needs Assessment and Personal Progress (NAPP) tool, including a dedicated cancer support module, we take the time to understand your individual needs, strengths and goals. Together, we create a personalised action plan that focuses on what matters most to you and the support needed to achieve your desired outcomes.
Your personalised support may include:
- A dedicated Cancer Connect Worker who will support you throughout your journey, helping you navigate the cancer pathway and access appropriate support.
- Support to navigate services, understand what support is available, and communicate your needs to healthcare professionals and other services.
- Practical and emotional support to manage the challenges and barriers that can arise from living with both cancer and disability.
- Advocacy and support to help ensure your disability-related needs and reasonable adjustments are recognised.
- Support to access wellbeing activities, community groups and local services.
- Information and guidance on financial support, benefits, transport, aids, equipment and home adaptations.
- Signposting and referrals to specialist services, including mental health, carers’ support and debt advice, where appropriate.
- Flexible support provided in person, at home, by telephone or online, depending on what works best for you.
- Support to identify and connect with appropriate services and organisations, helping you access the right support for your individual needs throughout your cancer journey.