New co-production group for people with lived experience of cancer

Residents in Lincolnshire with lived experience of cancer are being encouraged to join a new co-production group set up with funding from Macmillan Cancer Support.

The group will be working with health and social care organisations to positively shape cancer services and influence change.

The group is being set up and managed by Lincolnshire based charity Every-One who have a track record of developing and delivering a range of person-centred services and projects that works towards ‘making wellbeing personal’.

Vicky Thomson, Chief Executive of Every-One said co-production was vital to ensure people get better health and social care services that do the things people want them to do.

“We are delighted to have been given the opportunity by Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group to build a co-production group.

“We want to recruit people affected by cancer who are willing to work with us to positively shape services and use their personal lived-experience to influence change.

“By being part of the group, we will develop people’s skills, knowledge and confidence to work together with organisations who provide and commission services in health and social care settings.”

Ruth Willis, Macmillan Partnership Manager for Lincolnshire, said funding the co-production group was further evidence of Macmillan’s commitment to improving cancer care for people in Lincolnshire.

“In Lincolnshire alone, there are currently 23,500 people living with and beyond cancer and this is expected to rise to 45,400 by 2030.

“Co-production sees people who use services as experts and works with them on issues of mutual interest.

“Co-production is not focussed on one to one peer support, which is important, but different from what we want to achieve with this group.”

Sarah-Jane Mills, Chief Operating Officer at NHS Lincolnshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said people in Lincolnshire benefit from a range of cancer support but acknowledged there are gaps that need addressing.

“As commissioners of cancer services our aim is to develop person-centred, local support for people living with and beyond cancer, including support for their carers, family, friends, and significant others.”

“We look forward to working together with local people and would encourage anyone affected by cancer to get involved with the group.”

For anyone who would like to express an interest in joining the co-production group please contact Vicky on 079 556 123 89 or vicky.thomson@every-one.org.uk.

Further information can be found at www.every-one.org.uk/cancer-co-production.