Cumbrian cancer support group dismayed as funding is cut

The iCan Wellbeing Group took over the Living With and Beyond Cancer programme from Cumbria CVS in 2023 and it has proven extremely helpful to those affected by cancer.

The project was funded by Northern Cancer Alliance and allowed people in Cumbria to enjoy regular meet-ups including peer-to-peer support groups in Carlisle, Workington and Penrith, where attendees could share their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment. 

The mayor of Carlisle visited the group (Image: Supplied)

It also provided one-to-one counselling sessions, one-to-one phone call support led by a volunteer with lived experience, online fitness sessions and also trips and events.

The groups and sessions were open to anyone who has been affected by cancer, not just the patient, but also a carer or loved one.

However, funding ended in March 2024, and while those already in the group have been able to forge connections, people who are now diagnosed with cancer in Cumbria say the funding shortfall is a bitter blow. 

Julia Clifford, chief officer and co-founder of iCan said: "It is very sad that our statutory services will not further fund the essential work the not-for-profit sector does, especially when there are real living experts by experience pleading for these services; maybe a local benefactor could come forward and do what our statutory can’t or won't?"

The project costs around £60,000 per year to fund, and employed one team member and some admin staff.

It is now iCan's priority to find sufficient funding to keep the programme running for the people of Cumbria.

Legacy funding has allowed peer-to-peer support meetings at coffee mornings to continue, but even this funding is expected to run out in March 2025 unless someone else steps forward.

Lisa Bridgewater, chief operating officer at iCan, said: "The beneficiaries of the LWBC project have expressed they feel the statutory services should feel ashamed that there is no longer cancer support for those living with cancer in Carlisle and the surrounding areas. I back this statement and promise that iCan will do everything we possibly can to get this vital support back up and running for the people of Carlisle affected by cancer."

Representatives from iCan and the Living With and Beyond Cancer programme were at a cancer north roadshow in Carlisle in April. 

Jenna Sutherland, former co-ordinator and development manager of the programme, said: "Now that the funding has officially ended in March, there is a legacy plan going on. Some of the volunteers are coming back together and will come up with a plan going forward. It is hoped that we will sort some funding."

Jenna Sutherland with members of the LWBC group at the Cancern event in Carlisle (Image: Bridgewater Creative)

Members of the support group, Josie Ian, Liz and Mike, commented: 

"It's very important, it's been a huge help to me to meet people in a similar situation. Some of the events will carry on as it's just meeting in cafes, but that is not sustainable. We need something permanent and sustainable for the future because one in two people get cancer and it will affect everyone at some point. People need to be able to get information and emotional and physical support. That is what this project aimed to offer.

"As a carer, it's really helped people understand that cancer affects whole families, not just individuals. This support has just been amazing. We're lucky for the people who are in the project now who have developed really strong relationships, so those groups will carry on but what about the person who has received their cancer diagnosis today? There is nothing in Cumbria for them."

Northern Cancer Alliance were approached for comment.