A member of our staff or one of our trained and dedicated volunteers will listen to your worries and concerns and offer free confidential support and advice.
We are able to provide:
- Leaflets and booklets on all aspects of living with and beyond cancer
- Access to benefits advice and other sources of financial help
- Signposting to local services such as counselling, complementary therapies, physical activity programmes and more
- Access to practical help such as transport, wheelchair hire and travel insurance
- An opportunity to discuss work related issues such as finding the words to speak to your employer, understanding your rights at work and what reasonable adjustments may enable you to remain in or return to work
- Access to support programmes to help you cope with the effects of cancer both during and after treatment e.g. fatigue management workshops
- Signposting to family support services
The service provides information and support over the phone or by email for those not able to access the service in person. Interpreters and sign language interpreters can be booked for appointments in the Macmillan Information Centre.
Some of our resources are available in different languages and other formats. Please ask, if you need information we may be able to source it in your preferred language/format.
Macmillan Information Service leaflet.
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Drop in Service
A drop-in service is open at the centre:
The Macmillan Information Centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm* in the Main Foyer of Craigavon Area Hospital
There is also an Information Hub in Daisy Hill Hospital. This hub can be accessed at any time to browse the information leaflets. Face to face appointments must be arranged in advance by calling the Macmillan Information & Support Service on 028375 61001. Appointments are available Monday to Friday between 10am and 4pm.
Both the Macmillan Information Centre and the Information Hub hold a selection of high quality information in a variety of different formats.
The Macmillan Information and Support Service can also refer you to a variety of community based support covering a range of issues affecting those living with and beyond cancer. Our team is happy to signpost and refer people and their families to the support(s) that suit them best.
*Excluding public/bank holidays.
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Information available
The Macmillan Health and Wellbeing Service aims to provide information and support on any issues someone must deal with whilst affected by cancer. The list below outlines some of the areas we can help with but is not exhaustive.
About Your Type of Cancer
- Cancer Guide
- Useful websites
- Local and regional organisations that you can get information and support from
Living With and After Cancer
- Talking about cancer
- Talking with children about cancer
- Support for children
- Dealing with effects such as fatigue or emotions
- Living with cancer
- Dealing with any changes to your body or appearance
- Counselling
- Relationships and sexuality issues
- Complementary therapies
- Spiritual and/or religious support
- Bereavement
- Getting back to ‘normal’
- Physical activity and cancer
- Diet and Cancer
- Local and regional organisations where you can get information and support
Practical Issues
- Finance e.g. insurances, benefits, grants and advice
- Travel and transport
- Information on travel insurance
- How to care for someone with cancer
- Work
- Getting a temporary wheelchair if you need one
- How to talk to your health care professional
- Practical ways to help manage changes to your appearance: wigs, clothing, headwear
- Making a will
Cancer and it’s treatments
- Tests, treatments and care
- Questions you may want to ask
- Agreeing to have tests and treatments (consent)
- Signs & Symptoms
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Types of Support Available
We can refer to:
• Scar therapy
• Acupuncture
• Peer mentoring
• Counselling
• Coaching
• ‘Buddy’ services
• Macmillan Benefits Service
• Bringing Hope NI
• Skin care make up workshops
• Support groups
• Complementary therapy
• Online courses
• Walking groups
• Physical activity programmes
• Cancer site specific support
• Short breaks
• Family support
• Carer support
• Social connections
• Online forums
• Helplines
• Links to other statutory services
• Palliative care
• Information and support
• Self-management courses
• Health and wellbeing apps. -
Online Directory of Cancer Support
For a directory of local cancer support services click here.
For a directory to regional supports across NI click here.
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Courses and Events Available
Macmillan “HOPE” Self-Management Programme (online only)
There are two ways to take part in the Online HOPE programme, in a Facilitated HOPE group or independently in the Self-Directed HOPE programme. Both programme options contain the same content and materials.Self-directed HOPE programme
This is an independent programme designed to enable you to:
- work through the materials in your own time and your own pace
- start the course at a time which best suits you
- learn new techniques and strategies, practicing these as you progress through the content.
Facilitated Online HOPE programme
This is peer supported programme where you will be able to:
- practice new techniques in a supportive environment with others
- share goals and gratitude’s
- explore experiences with others on the programme
- learn new techniques and strategies within a supportive environment amongst peers and facilitators.
The next available course date is: Monday 2nd February 2026.
To sign up follow the link below:
Help overcoming problems effectively (HOPE) online – Macmillan
Action Cancer Positive Living Programme
This unique programme has been running regionally for 10 years. It will provide insights and strategies to help you reflect, refocus, rebuild, re-energise and move your life forward following a cancer diagnosis. It is available to those diagnosed as well as their friends, family and carers, at any stage of the cancer journey
It will be held in Portadown on 24th and 25th of January 2026.
For more information CLICK HERE.
Physical Activity
Taking part in physical activity during and after cancer treatment can make a big difference to a person’s clinical outcomes and quality of life. That’s why the councils in the Southern Trust have a scheme to help people get and stay active at a level that suits them.
The scheme is called Macmillan Move More in the Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon Council area.
The scheme is Called Move More in the Mid Ulster Council area.
The scheme is called Be Active in the Newry Mourne and Down Council area.
For more information about the specific programme area contact the Macmillan Information & Support Service.
Mental Wellbeing:
AWARE Living Life to the Full Programme
The Living Life to the Full for People Living with Cancer & Beyond programme is a six-session programme which can make a big difference in your life by helping you manage feelings of stress, worry, and depression. It teaches you simple and practical skills to cope with life’s challenges.
Cancer Support Walk and Talk Groups
We invite anyone who has been affected by cancer, friends and family included, to take some time out to relax and connect with new people at our Walk & Talk sessions in Newry and Craigavon.
The walk & talk in Newry meets every Wednesday at 11am at the Tow Path at Carnbane Industrial Estate. Please telephone: 07881 888675 for more information.
The Craigavon Walk & Talk meets bi-weekly and has paused until Spring 2026.
Walks run from the beginning of April until the end of September to register interest in attending the walk in Craigavon, please contact the Macmillan Information & Support Service.
AWARE Mood Matters programme
Mood Matters for Adults for People Living with Cancer & Beyond is a course for people living with cancer and those living beyond cancer/cancer survivors, including those affected by depression. It is delivered in various settings, such as community venues and online. The programme lasts approximately two hours.
For more information CLICK HERE.
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Directions and Parking
Craigavon Macmillan Information Centre
Main Foyer, Craigavon Area Hospital,
68 Lurgan Road, Portadown
BT63 5QQ
Link to google maps for directions here
To get to Craigavon Area Hospital by public transport click here
Car parking is available. Please note that Parking at Craigavon Area Hospital may be increasingly difficult during visiting hours (3pm—4pm).
More information on parking at Craigavon Area Hospital is available at Parking at Craigavon | Southern Health & Social Care Trust
However, there is a drop off point at main entrance door to hospital. The Macmillan Information Centre is located opposite the front doors between the coffee dock and main reception.
Daisy Hill Hospital Macmillan Information Hub
Phase 1 Outpatients corridor, Daisy Hill Hospital,
5 Hospital Road, Newry
BT35 8DR
Link to Google Maps for directions here
To get to Daisy Hill Hospital by public transport click here:
Car parking is available.
More information on parking at Daisy Hill Hospital is available at Parking at Daisy Hill | Southern Health & Social Care Trust
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Accessible information
The Southern Trust Macmillan Information & Support Service Leaflet available in other languages:
Large print version of the Macmillan Information & Support Service Leaflet.
Contacts
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre
68 Lurgan Road, Portadown, BT63 5QQ
028 3756 1001
Macmillaninfosupport@southerntrust.hscni.net