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Publish date: 26 January 2026
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has been honoured with a Carer-Friendly Quality Award from Derbyshire Carers Association, recognising an innovative partnership project that is changing the way carers of cancer patients are identified, supported and empowered.
The award celebrates work carried out through the H-Connect Carers Project, a collaboration that has strengthened early support for carers—many of whom don’t see themselves as carers at all.
Michelle Jacklin, Information and Support Nurse at the Macmillan Centre, explained that the project began after noticing a worrying pattern:
“A lot of carers don’t recognise themselves as carers… we were getting more contact when they were in absolute crisis. We needed to support them much sooner.”
In response, the team carried out local research and listened to families to understand what would genuinely make a difference. From this emerged the idea of a dedicated support group—deliberately named “You Matter Too”.
“We chose that name because when you’re supporting someone with a cancer diagnosis, what’s happening to you matters as well. We wanted people to feel seen, valued and supported,” Michelle said.
The partnership with Derbyshire Carers Association quickly grew, bringing monthly drop‑in clinics, shared resources and joint initiatives such as a carers’ video capturing real-life experiences.
Helen Weston, CEO of Derbyshire Carers Association, presented the award to the team this month and praised the strength of the collaboration:
“The work here has been fantastic—helping carers feel valued and connected to support as early as possible. Caring can be isolating, and this project ensures carers are treated as true partners in the support of their loved ones.”
Helen also highlighted that it can take an average two years for someone to realise they are a carer.
“Often people only come forward when there’s been a crisis. By identifying carers sooner, we can prevent that, and ensure both the carer and the person they support get the help they need much earlier.”
For carers, the impact has been profound. Alan Woolven, who cares for his wife Gillian, described the support group as a lifeline:
“It’s not just the person with cancer who is affected by the diagnosis — it’s the family, the friends, everyone around them. These groups bring you together with like‑minded people in a safe, secure space where you can talk openly.”
He shared how the project has made a personal difference:
“You always know there’s somewhere to go — someone you can ring, someone who’ll listen. It’s helped me tremendously.”
And his message to any carer unsure about accessing support?
“Please reach out. A lot of people don’t realise the help that’s out there. You can be yourself, say what you need, and you’ll get the support.”
Through collaborative clinics, shared training, active carer identification and compassionate peer support, the project is reshaping the experience of cancer carers in North Derbyshire.
Michelle summed up the spirit of the work: “Carers are the unsung heroes. They’re juggling the practical, the emotional, their own fears for the future… Supporting them is just as important as supporting the patient.”
The Macmillan Centre continues to welcome anyone over 18 who is caring for an adult with a cancer diagnosis—whether or not they identify with the word carer.
Carers can drop into the Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, call the centre 01246 516406, email: crhft.macmillaninfo@nhs.net, or connect via Derbyshire Carers Association: https://derbyshirecarers.co.uk/
