People affected by cancer in Norfolk will have access to information and support, wherever they are based, due to a collaboration between three organisations.
Big C, Macmillan Cancer Support and Norfolk County Council's library service have joined forces to provide every library in the county with booklets on cancer from a medical, financial and welfare perspective. These include Big C's 'Here to Support You' Guide and a range of Macmillan booklets.
The project follows a pilot at Cromer Library in 2016.
Both Big C and Macmillan identified North Norfolk had limited information services with residents having difficulty accessing Norwich, therefore requiring community support. The year-long pilot was a success with over 800 booklets taken.
Now the team are rolling out the project to all Norfolk libraries, including mobile libraries.
Nikki Morris, Deputy Chief Executive at Big C, said: 'We have recently updated all of our information materials and it is rewarding to work with Macmillan to supply Norfolk Libraries with the best cancer information that is on offer. Libraries are a central source of information, particularly in rural communities and we know from the feedback and evaluation of our Cromer project that the information stands will be a vital resource for those affected.'
Feedback on the project from a comments box and evaluation session at Cromer library was positive.
One visitor said: 'The information is very useful to have in the library. I never get over to Norwich anymore and would never see these leaflets unless the library stocked them.'
Another visitor spotted Macmillan's recipe book and took it home for her mum. She said: 'My mum had breast cancer and is in remission. She has lots of health problems and her appetite is poor. The recipe book will hopefully tempt her to try some new dishes. It's a lovely idea and good for elderly people who are recovering after a period of ill health.'
Gwyneth Tyler, Head of Services for the South and East at Macmillan Cancer Support, added: 'By sharing information booklets with every library in Norfolk, we can provide people with free information and encourage them to reach out for further support if needed.'
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