No appointment is necessary and all are welcome – whether you have a cancer diagnosis, are worried about cancer or are visiting on behalf of a friend or relative.
With centres at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool, the service is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and staffed by cancer information specialists and volunteers.
Our trained staff and volunteers can help you to get the information and support you need and are free to listen if you just need somebody to chat to. The centre can provide information on topics including:
- Different types of cancers
- Cancer treatments
- Welfare benefits and financial advice
- Local cancer support groups
- Services and support within the community
The centre also has information booklets about cancer and the support on offer. They are free and are available to patients, family members and healthcare professionals.
For more information about cancer and treatment, please visit our cancer services page
Support we offer
Comfort calls
Our team of dedicated volunteers are here to chat over the phone if you need some support and can’t make it to one of our centres.
Once you have booked your 30 minute time slot, one of our trained Macmillan volunteers will call you up for a chat. We are not a counselling service, but our trained volunteers can offer information, comfort and an ear to listen if you just want someone to talk to.
To book a comfort call please email or phone us using the contact details at the bottom of the page.
Support groups
The cancer information centre has up-to-date information about local cancer support groups, including breast, lymphoma, prostate, bowel and ovarian cancers.
We also offer our own activity support groups such as ‘Craft and Chat’, ‘Walk and Talk’ and even a gardening group.
Headwear service
Some types of cancer treatment can cause hair loss.
Our team can offer advice and support to help you find the best option for you if you’re interested in headwear.
We stock a range of bandanas, turbans and head caps in different colours and materials. Our specially trained staff and volunteers can help you decide which style to choose and give you demonstrations and tips on how to wear it.
Look Good, Feel Better
Look Good, Feel Better (LGFB) is a cancer support charity that helps women and teenagers manage the visible side effects of cancer treatment. They aim to increase people’s confidence and self-esteem at a difficult time in their lives.
LGFB provide free skincare and make up workshops for women undergoing any type of cancer or treatment. The sessions are an opportunity to meet new friends while learning how to draw on eyebrows and eyelashes.
Financial advice
If you are struggling to cope with the financial impact of cancer, our cancer information team can help you plan and manage your money.
We work with West View Advice and Resource Centre to give you free and confidential advice. They can help with things such as:
- Fuel debt support
- Access to energy discounts
- Applying for benefits and allowances
- Emergency grant funding
Macmillan support line
The Macmillan support line is staffed by trained experts who offer practical, clinical, financial and emotional support to people with cancer and their loved ones.
They can provide advice, arrange for you to speak with a member of a specialist team, and also offer a friendly ear to listen if you just need to talk.
You can call the helpline free on 08088 080000. Opening hours vary depending on your needs. A full list of services and opening hours can be found on Macmillan’s website.
Contact
Cancer information centre
University Hospital of North Tees Monday-Friday
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University Hospital of Hartlepool Wednesday
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Volunteer with us
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do and our cancer information centres couldn’t run without them. The work they do makes such a difference to patients, staff and visitors.
If you are thinking about volunteering and would like more information, please get in touch with Alan Chandler or Denise Jenkins on 01642 383041 or visit one of our centres in the University Hospital of North Tees or the University Hospital of Hartlepool.