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Macmillan Cancer and Palliative Care Psychology Service

The Macmillan Psychology Service is a service for adult patients, their families or carers who are experiencing complex psychological problems relating to any aspect of the diagnosis or treatment of cancer, or when in the palliative phase.

Our team of Clinical Psychologists and Family Psychotherapists focus exclusively on cancer and palliative care.

We offer evidence-based psychological interventions that aim to reduce psychological distress and to enhance and promote psychological well-being. Our clinicians offer a variety of different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioural therapy, person-centred and family therapy approaches.

We work as part of the multi-disciplinary team and offer consultation, supervision and training to the wider cancer staff team. We provide services to Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Bedford Hospital, community palliative care teams and hospices.

The team's administrative base is in Dunstable and our Psychologists and Psychotherapists see people in various community settings and within their homes in Luton and Bedfordshire. 

The service is part of Bedfordshire Community Health Services (BCHS).

Address

Mountbatten House
56 High Street South
Dunstable
LU6 3HD
United Kingdom

Telephone number
01582 293222

All referrals to the Macmillan Psychology Service should come through Cancer and Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS). All potential referrals should be discussed with the Macmillan Psychology Service before they can be accepted and telephone consultations can be provided.

The Macmillan Psychology Service has developed a series of videos to help and support you, your carers and family, with your cancer diagnosis. 
In these videos we explore the process of adjustment, how cancer impacts you and those around you, some strategies to help you cope and how to access 
additional support.  

Chapter 1 Coping with a diagnosis

Chapter 2 - What is a normal reaction

Chapter 3 - Impact of Cancer Diagnosis 
Resource: Cancer and your sex life

Chapter 4 - Strategies for managing difficult emotions
Resource: Positive Steps to Wellbeing
Resource: The Worry Tree
Resource: Postpone Your Worry

Chapter 5 - Strategies for managing negative emotions (part 2)

Mindful breathing
Mindful breathing - 5 minutes
Mindful breathing - 10 minutes

Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation – 6 minutes
Progressive muscle relaxation – 15 minutes


Imagery and visualisation
Guided imagery - 10 minutes
Guided imagery – 15 minutes

Apps
Headspace
Calm

Chapter 6 - What if I need extra support?
Macmillan Cancer Support information is available on the Macmillan website or they can be contacted on 0808 808 00 00 (every day 8am-8pm). There is also the ability to chat to cancer information and support specialists online.
Support for under 40s
Mental health crisis information