Macmillan Cancer Support

The Macmillan Link Worker service was launched to address critical gaps in personalised cancer support across Hertfordshire, especially among communities facing the greatest deprivation and health inequalities. With around 6,350 people diagnosed with cancer annually in the region—and only 44% of patients reporting sufficient home-based care and voluntary service support—the project aimed to bridge this gap through a holistic, person-centred approach

Offering personalised guidance for people affected by cancer, including emotional support, benefits advice, and practical help.

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Social Prescription Fund

When HCNS recognised that financial barriers were preventing clients from engaging in physical and social activities, they took action. Thanks to a targeted funding stream, eligible individuals were offered up to £100 to cover or contribute towards the cost of getting active, whether for fitness classes, transportation, sports gear, or course fees.

This wasn’t just a financial boost; it was an invitation to belong. Clients who had previously hesitated to take part in local activities due to cost concerns began trying new things—yoga classes, walking groups, and swimming lessons. 

Participants reported improvements in both physical and mental well-being, as well as increased confidence to attend paid sessions independently in the future. This ripple effect of empowerment has led to greater social integration, reduced isolation, and community building. 

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Virtual Hospital Support – Watford General Hospital

HCNS continued to work with the British Red Cross assisted Discharge Service to support the co-ordination and collection of equipment/devices used to monitor patients in their own home. HCNS has seen an increase in wellbeing calls and welfare checks for patients who have been referred to the Hospital at Home/Virtual ward services. Support needs being identified are shopping support and befriending. HCNS are looking at a Pathway 0 style pilot so that all patients who go into virtual hospitals receive an automatic call on Day 1 to identify any social prescribing needs. 

 

Virtual/Hospital at Home Lister Hospital

HCNS also delivered a 3‑month pilot with Lister Hospital, following the Pathway 0 model. Every patient referred into the Hospital at Home pathway received a wellbeing call on Day 1.

• Total patients (June–August): 1,529

• Average referral rate for support: 16%

  • This is significantly higher than the 9% average seen in the Pathway 0 project, suggesting that Hospital at Home patients present with more complex or immediate needs.

Impact

• Early identification of unmet needs

• Likely admission avoidance and readmission prevention

• Improved patient and carer wellbeing

• Demonstrates higher complexity within Hospital at Home cohort

Scheduled Surgeries

Proactive calls to patients ahead of surgery to support:

• Weight reduction

• Smoking cessation

• Reducing alcohol intake

Impact

Key insight: Weight reduction was the most common support need 

Benefits of Early Support

• Improved surgical outcomes

• Reduced complications

• Fewer delays/cancellations

• Faster recovery & shorter hospital stays

• Better physical/mental health

• Quicker return to work & greater independence

 

HCNS Afghan Resettlement Project -  Bridging Hotels Support 

HCNS supported Afghan families living in Hertfordshire bridging hotels from August 2021 to September 2022, working alongside the British Red Cross and other partners. Early work focused on helping new arrivals with essential tasks such as confirming Home Office details, registering with GPs, and accessing financial support. “HCNS initially supported the British Red Cross (BRC) as families started arriving in 2021.”

Between May and August 2022, HCNS delivered 230 support sessions, addressing 204 issues. The most common needs were:

• Immigration (19%)

• Mental health (16%)

• Education (15%)

• Benefits/finance (15%) “Data shows that the top issues supported are, immigration 19% followed by mental health 16%…”

Residents faced significant challenges including cultural adjustment, long housing wait times, isolation, and anxiety about family members left behind. These factors contributed to deteriorating mental health, with many residents reluctant to access specialist support due to stigma. “The long wait times mean that many residents have found that their mental health has deteriorated.”

HCNS played a key role in:

• Encouraging ESOL participation

• Supporting education and employment readiness

• Providing emotional support and a trusted point of contact

• Facilitating onward referrals for all identified issues

Residents expressed strong appreciation for the support received, describing HCNS as essential to their integration and wellbeing.

Recommendations included improved safeguarding escalation, more staff training around domestic violence, and continued long‑term support for residents.

Overall outcome: HCNS support is helping residents build skills, access education and employment, and integrate successfully into the community.

 

Personal Health Budgets (PHB’s)

HCNS held some NHSE Personalized care funding for PHB’s.  This funding supports, families and carers to access personalized care and support when identified needs cannot be met via commissioned services. Funding is to support the hospital teams to discharge patients on Pathway 0 or 1. There is £250 available per patient and up to £400 in exceptional circumstances. There were 80 patients supported with various needs as highlighted below.  There were a couple of patients who were supported through PHB’s following on from GP Referral to avoid hospital admissions.