Hope Beyond Hospital: Cancer Care in the Community

Oct, 29 2026

✨ Hope Beyond Hospital: Cancer Care in the Community

On Thursday 22nd October, the NFHW gathered at Lancashire County Council HQ, Preston, for a special evening — a reminder that care does not end when we leave hospital doors. 🙏

With warm thanks to Dr Sakthi Karunanithi for chairing, and Ian Smith for coordinating our speakers.

🌟 Macmillan Cancer Information Centre — Martin Bond
Martin opened for Macmillan at LTHTR, introducing the centre at Royal Preston Hospital — offering information, a listening ear, and a free Benefits Clinic with Citizens Advice. Also reaching out to GP practices and Vine House in Ribbleton. Don't miss their Radiotherapy Centre Open Days — a chance to visit and chat with professionals.

📊 Cancer Screening Saves Lives
A clear message throughout: please don't ignore those invitations. The national cancer surveillance programme catches things early — taking part really can save lives.

💛 CancerHelp & Vine House — Jeanette Smalley
Supporting people across Central Lancashire since 1989 — counselling, complementary therapies, support groups and wellbeing sessions. Vine House in Ribbleton is a peaceful sanctuary. Exciting plans ahead — we look forward to working together.

💙 The Walnut Group — Baz Howard
Peer support for men affected by prostate cancer — meeting monthly at Vine House. Because the best support comes from someone who understands.

🎗️ Bowel Cancer Awareness — Malcolm Reid
Malcolm shared his personal journey with Macmillan and LTHTR — highlighting awareness, early detection, and support beyond diagnosis.

🤝 Our Community Partners
Preston Holistic Living Group, SMiLE The Chronic Pain Charity, Gujarati Hindu Society, Creative Communities Group, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, and the University of Lancashire.

✨ In Conclusion
A powerful evening showing that care happens everywhere — in hospitals, community centres, support groups, and the encouragement we offer one another. When we stand together, there truly is hope beyond hospital. 💛

💐 Thank You
To Dr Sakthi and the LCC team, Ian Smith, and all our speakers — Martin Bond, Jeanette Smalley, Baz Howard, Malcolm Reid — and everyone who came along. Together we're stronger.

^Alex Ashworth Director of Creativity