PEOPLE living with cancer in Glasgow can once again seek support in city libraries as a ground-breaking scheme has restarted.

Macmillan Cancer Support and Glasgow Life have restarted the face-to-face support that stopped during the pandemic.

But as libraries reopen across the city, the service is getting back up and running.

Pip Lawrenson, Macmillan’s engagement coordinator for Glasgow Life, said: “We’re so glad to be back and to be able to see people again.

"Cancer is very tough at the best of times, but throughout the pandemic it’s been even tougher for a lot of people trying to cope with the illness and unable to see their friends and family for comfort.

"It’s been an incredibly lonely time for many.

“If someone needs to talk or needs information, we’re here to give them emotional, practical and financial support.

"Please do get in touch or come and see us, even if it’s just to talk about how you’re feeling or have a wee chat.”

Glasgow Times: Annmarie Galbraith a service manager with Macmillan at Partick Library as services return. STY..Pic Gordon Terris Herald & Times..22/9/21.

Delivered in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde and Glasgow City Council, Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries will be returning to libraries across the city to provide free cancer support and information with new weekly, in-person services.

Throughout the pandemic the innovative cancer support programme operated a telephone-based service to support people affected by cancer while libraries across Scotland were temporarily closed.

Councillor David McDonald, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: “Throughout the pandemic the Macmillan@ Glasgow Libraries team have worked hard to support people affected by cancer, helping to ensure that everyone affected by cancer in our city has someone to talk to and access to quality information.

“More than 70% of callers to Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries helpline since January 2021 cited their main reasons for calling as simply wanting to talk to someone about how they were feeling, and I’m delighted that we are now able to once again offer this vital support in-person in our city’s libraries.”

Six Macmillan cancer support and information services have already relaunched in Castlemilk, Dennistoun, The Mitchell, Partick, Pollok and Royston libraries.

In line with Scottish Government guidelines and existing procedures in place across all Glasgow Life venues, layouts have been rearranged to allow for social distancing.

Hand sanitiser is available, and visitors are asked to continue to wear a face covering, unless they are exempt, to keep themselves and others safe.

For support, information or just to talk about what you’re going through either in-person or over the phone contact Macmillan @ Glasgow Libraries on 0141 287 2903 or macmillan@glasgowlife.org.uk