Wales’ first ManVan, dedicated mobile cancer support across Wales, is celebrating a year of supporting men and their loved ones.

The ManVan brings much-needed advice and support to men affected by prostate or testicular cancer in areas where such services are currently lacking. It offers one-to-one counselling, couples’ counselling, group support and benefits advice to men all over Wales.

The project is led by Wales’ leading cancer charity, Tenovus Cancer Care, with help and support from our men’s heath partner Prostate Cancer UK, and entirely funded by the Movember Foundation, fuelled by your passion for the moustache and all it represents.

Since the ManVan started its journey in April 2014, it has:

•    Had more than 3,100 visitors
•    Helped over 250 men who had a cancer diagnosis and went on to use Tenovus Cancer Care’s support services.
•    Helped men and their families claim benefits worth more than £15,000.
•    Visited almost 100 locations across the country
•    Travelled over 11,000 miles, more than the distance from Cardiff to Sydney (10,684 miles).
 

The Quotes

In early 2014, Patrick from Rhos on Sea in Conwy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Both he and his wife Patricia really benefited from the ManVan’s services.  

“The diagnosis was devastating and a huge shock to the whole family. My daughter realised that we all needed some help and Googled ‘prostate cancer.’ She found the Tenovus Cancer Care website and read about the ManVan. Luckily it was visiting our local community the very next day; just a couple of miles down the road.

We popped along and met the team, who were so easy to talk to. They were helpful, knowledgeable and we went on to get some useful benefits advice. As well as that, my wife was able to spend some time with the counsellor on board to help her to cope.”

Claudia McVie, Tenovus Cancer Care Chief Executive, said:

“We’re so pleased that we’ve been able to help so many men who have had a cancer diagnosis in Wales. We know that it can sometimes be difficult for men to talk about their worries, so we designed the space specifically to appeal to men and make them feel comfortable.”

Sarah Coghlan, UK Director of the Movember Foundation, said:

“The ManVan has had an incredible impact on the lives of men and their families throughout Wales in the past 12 months.

We’re thrilled to see the wealth and variety information provided to ManVan visitors, particularly the growth in their knowledge of various men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer, erectile dysfunction and diet and lifestyle.”

To find out more about the Movember ManVan, what services it offers and where it’s headed next, visit the Tenovus website here. You can also call the Tenovus Cancer Care free Support Line on 0808 808 1010, or speak to Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist nurses on 0800 074 8383.