Emotional support

Living with a life-limiting illness can bring emotional and spiritual challenges to you and your family. There are different services and support workers who may help you manage these difficulties. It is important to talk to someone as it can be difficult to cope alone.

Northern Trust specialist palliative care nurses and social workers provide emotional and spiritual support for both the patient and those close to them. They focus on the holistic care of patients by valuing their emotional wellbeing and supporting their spiritual needs. They can also signpost onto additional information and support services with the Northern Trust. These support services include: the Macmillan and Information Support Service, the Chaplaincy Service, Volunteer Service, Complementary Therapy Service and support groups. There is also additional support services external to the Trust such as the Cancer Focus Counselling Service for patients with a cancer diagnosis.

 

Support for you at home 

Speak to your GP or any professional who is involved in your care and they can help signpost you onto the most appropriate service.

 

Macmillan Information and Support Service 

Many people with advanced cancer feel frightened and often worry about the future or dying, or the effect cancer is having on their family. The Macmillan Information and Support Service provides comprehensive information and support to anyone who has concerns about cancer, including family, friends and carers. T: 028 94424000 ext 333079  M: 07795845435

If you have a urgent query please contact Macmillan Cancer Support helpline free on 0808 808 0000 or alternatively contact Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Helpline free on 0800 783 3339.

 

Northern Trust Chaplaincy Service 

The Chaplaincy Teams work within Antrim Area Hospital, Causeway Hospital, and the Macmillan Unit. They are committed to providing holistic care for patients. The chaplains focus on the psychological, emotional, spiritual, religious and denominational needs of patients and those closest to them.

The Macmillan Unit offers four sessions a week of spiritual and pastoral support to patients, relatives and staff.

The Quiet Room is provided to hold services as required and is available for quiet reflection. The spiritual support of patients and their carers is an integral part of palliative care.
Rev. Jack Moore, Lead Chaplain, Antrim Area Hospital.   Tel: 028 9442 4000 ext 33 2540.

Northern Trust support groups 

There are Northern Trust Support Groups across the Trust which offer support, reassurance and guidance.

 

Northern Trust Clinical Health Psychology Service

Psychological services are offered to cardiology, diabetes, oncology, pain and respiratory patients who are experiencing emotional distress resulting from their physical health condition and its associated treatment/management. A holistic perspective of a person’s psychological wellbeing is taken with focus on intervention on the psychological distress and coping associated with the impact of physical ill health.

Any health professional can make a referral for patients to the Clinical Health Psychology Service.

Cancer Focus Family Support Service 

This Service offers specialist support to help families cope with disruption to ordinary family life and minimise the impact on a child’s emotional well-being. The Service is for any children or young people and their families when an adult has been diagnosed with a cancer.  T: 028 9066 3281       http://www.cancerfocusni.org/

 

Complementary therapies

There are many types of complementary therapy available for patients with a life-limiting illness. They include acupuncture and acupressure, aromatherapy and other forms of massage, homeopathy, and reflexology.

For details on available services contact the Macmillan Information Officer on 07795845435.

 

CHARIS 

CHARIS Integrated Cancer Care works in conjunction with clinical treatments for cancer and our comfortable treatment rooms are purpose-designed for the delivery of complementary therapies by trained practitioners free of charge. Individual and group therapies are available.

Our staff will offer our clients every form of support that is possible. Our role is to listen and help. We provide a warm and nurturing environment, with support from experienced professionals and therapists.
T: 028 8676 9217   http://www.chariscancercare.org/