Two of Northern Ireland’s leading charities – AWARE and Macmillan Cancer Support – have teamed up with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Northern Ireland to host a public talk in Craigavon.
The event will see people share personal stories as well as feature a guest talk from a psychiatrist who will share their expertise to help people with cancer who are also struggling with mental health issues such as depression.
The impact of a cancer diagnosis can be traumatic both physically and psychologically.
Together with Macmillan Cancer Support, AWARE is seeking not only to raise awareness of the link between a cancer diagnosis and depression, but to send out a positive message that depression is an illness that is treatable, preventable and people can recover from it.
Tom McEneaney, Head of Business Development at AWARE said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working alongside Macmillan Cancer Support to deliver this public talk to people with a cancer diagnosis that are also suffering from depression.
“Depression in people with cancer not only affects the patients themselves but also has a major impact on their families.
“AWARE is here to help support cancer patients and their families in any way that we can.”
Grainne Maginnis, Engagement and Volunteering Manager for Macmillan in Northern Ireland added: “Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a truly devastating impact upon a person’s whole life – creating anxiety around money, family, work and health.
“Working in partnership on this event with AWARE, we hope to increase understanding of the emotional consequences of cancer and highlight the support that is available to help people with cancer live life as fully as they can.”
This event is taking place on Thursday, June 13, in the Craigavon Civic Centre and is open to anyone to attend – people living with cancer as well as their families and friends are particularly welcome.
Welcome and refreshments will be from 6:30pm with the event then commencing at 7pm.
The talk is free but registration is required. Contact Maura McClean at mmcclean@macmillan.org.uk or 07870 469682 to register.
The joint event coincides with Ulster Bank’s One Week in June charity drive which this year is raising funds for both AWARE and Macmillan. A number of bank staff also hope to attend the Craigavon Civic Centre talk.
