North Lanarkshire Disability Forum

03/11/2026

It's Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Lung cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 49,200 people diagnosed each year. Smoking is the main cause, but some people who develop lung cancer have never smoked. It is more common in older adults but can affect people of any age.

Lung cancer was the most frequently referred cancer to our Improving Cancer Journey service last year, with 297 people receiving support throughout their cancer journey.

If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer your worries are your worries. You are not alone and there is help available to you, for more information scan the QR code below or visit macmillan.org.uk

03/11/2026

Have Your Say on Strathclyde Country Park

North Lanarkshire Council and AtkinsRéalis are developing proposals to improve walking, wheeling and cycling in and around Strathclyde Country Park, and want to hear your views.

The consultation includes information on:
✅ Proposed improvements being considered
✅ The study area
✅ Why the study is being undertaken
✅ What the project team would like to learn from you

They'd particularly welcome feedback on:
📍 Barriers to walking, wheeling and cycling
📍 Areas where you feel unsafe or uncomfortable
📍 Important local destinations and connections
📍 Opportunities to improve accessibility, comfort and personal safety

Whether you use the park regularly, travel through it, or avoid certain routes, your views will help shape future active travel improvements.

🔗 Take part in the consultation by following the link below.

📅 Consultation closes 13 November 2026.

North Lanarkshire Council is seeking feedback on potential active travel improvements in Strathclyde Country Park.

01/11/2026

Meet the team - Beth

"North Lanarkshire Disability Forum really stood out for me as I have a disabled daughter and felt like I could empathise with the struggles that families and individuals face going through the disability journey."

Beth is our new Administration Assistant. Beth will be your first point of contact when you phone into the office while assisting the rest of the team with various admin duties. After having her youngest Beth decided it was time to get back to work and joined our team.

Outside of work Beth is kept incredibly busy with her 3 children but whenever she gets the chance you'll find Beth at gigs or in the kitchen doing what is most therapeutic to her, cooking and baking, Beth often brings her baking into the office to share with others and if you're lucky you might get the chance to try her critically acclaimed rocky road.

31/10/2026

Meet the team - Angela

"I joined NLDF to help make even the smallest difference in someone’s life and I’m excited to bring that energy to The Little Care Hub"

Angela is our newest Project Co-ordinator for the Little Care Hub. The Little Care Hub is a project aiming to provide support for unpaid carers, it can be easy to find yourself overwhelmed when caring for another so The Little Care Hub provides small moments of breathing space, connection and creativity that make everyday life feel a little lighter.

Outside of work you can find Angela travelling all over Scotland with her Husband and her wee westie, Happy, at a gig or tending to her garden. Angela has always been a creative soul, running her own flower shop in the past and she loves bringing that spark with her to the office.

30/10/2026

Meet the team - Caroline

"I find it incredibly rewarding to support people to achieve their goals, promote their independence and experience positive outcomes."

Caroline is one of our Community Connectors on the Improving Lives Initiative project. Her role is to support people living with long-term conditions and disabilities to access the right support by helping them find information, advice and services to meet their needs.

Caroline previously worked in Health and Social Care, finance and administration for over 10 years and also bring experience supporting people with their Self-Directed Support (SDS) budgets and helping them make informed choices.

29/10/2026

‼We Are Hiring‼

We are hiring for a part time Community Connector role with the Improving Cancer Journey programme. Improving the Cancer Journey programme of work is an established model of community connectors for people affected by cancer including carers. You will join a team of Community Connectors to deliver a person-centred community support, using a holistic needs assessment to offer the best community support for people and their families.

We are looking for someone that is:
✅Passionate about co-production and valuing lived experience.
✅Skilled at building trust and working with individuals, families, and partners.
✅Committed to inclusive, accessible communication.
✅Confident gathering feedback to help improve services and outcomes.

If you are interested and would like to know more about the role follow the link below for further details

Improving the Cancer Journey programme of work is an established model of community connectors for people affected by cancer including carers. You will join a team of Community Connectors to deliver a person-centred community support, using a holistic needs assessment to offer the best community sup...

29/10/2026

Walk 100km with your dog this November!🐾
Turn your daily dog walks into something truly meaningful by taking on the Walk 100km with your dog challenge and helping support people living with cancer.

With almost 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer, every kilometre walked and every pound raised can help ensure people receive the support and care they need when they need it most.

Whether it's a stroll through your local park or a longer countryside adventure, every step counts. Grab your lead, get walking, and make a difference this November! 💚

You can register at the link attached below.

Take on the Walk 100km with Your Dog challenge this November. Set up your fundraising page, track your progress, collect donations, and help people living with cancer.

28/10/2026

Next week is so in partnership with Befriending Networks we would like to talk about the importance of befriending.

As the need for aged care support grows, so does the need for volunteers. Giving just a little of your time can have a lasting impact by providing companionship, connection and emotional support to older people experiencing loneliness or social isolation.

Befriending can help:
✅ Reduce loneliness
✅ Lower depression and anxiety
✅ Support cognitive health
✅ Encourage people to stay active and engaged
✅ Improve overall wellbeing and quality of life

For many older adults, a regular visit, phone call or friendly chat is more than just companionship, it's something to look forward to and a vital source of connection, happiness and support.

Interested in making a difference? Consider becoming a volunteer befriender today. 💙

28/10/2026

Have you recently completed hospital-based treatment for primary breast cancer? Breast Cancer Now's Moving Forward is a friendly, supportive course designed to help you adjust to life after treatment and build confidence for the future.

Over two relaxed afternoon sessions, you'll gain practical tools, helpful information, and emotional support from experienced facilitators. You'll also have the chance to meet others who understand what you've been through, with many participants forming lasting friendships and support networks.

📍 Where: Online - Zoom
📅 When: Thursday 19 November & Thursday 26 November

Take the next step towards your new normal in a warm, understanding environment. You're not alone on this journey.

To find out more or book a place, get in touch today at 0345 077 1893 or follow the link below.

27/10/2026

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close we would like to share with you how we have supported those with breast cancer through the Improving Cancer Journey service.

From March 2025 - February 2026 the ICJ handled 276 referrals for breast cancer, this is roughly 40% of all breast cancer diagnosis within Lanarkshire and 17% of our total referrals for that time period.

The ICJ has worked tirelessly to provide support during this period with over 7,500 hours of client facing work, which is an increase of over 2,500 hours. We are incredibly proud of the work the ICJ has done to this point and look forward the future.

If you are struggling with your cancer journey, you are not alone and if you feel you would benefit from the extra support you can refer at the link below.