Cancer Support UK is proud to introduce a new Friends & Family Support Session, designed specifically for the people who stand beside someone living with or beyond cancer.
When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, the focus naturally falls on the individual going through treatment. But cancer also affects the wider circle of people who care about them. Friends and family members often take on a vital supporting role while managing their own emotions, worries and uncertainties.
Many people supporting a loved one with cancer tell us they feel isolated or unsure how best to help. They may struggle to understand the emotional impact of treatment, or feel unsure how to have supportive conversations. For some, it can also be difficult to balance caring for someone else while looking after their own wellbeing.
To address this, Cancer Support UK has developed a dedicated one-hour online session that provides guidance, reassurance and connection for friends and family members.
Supporting the people who support others
The session has been created by the Cancer Coach team with valuable input from people with lived experience. Through focus groups, surveys and conversations with service users, the programme has been designed to reflect the real challenges supporters face.
Programme topics
During the session participants will explore:
- Common emotions experienced during and after cancer treatment
- How a cancer diagnosis can affect family members and friends
- The reality of being a supporter and how it can impact personal wellbeing
- A personal story from someone who has supported a loved one through cancer
- Practical ways to focus on self-care
- Where to find further support and stay connected
These sessions will be delivered online via Zoom by a member of the Cancer Coach team, allowing people from across the UK to take part. After the session, participants will also receive follow up resources to help them continue their journey of support and self-care.
Providing Compassion, Comfort and Connection
At the heart of Cancer Support UK’s work is the belief that no one should face cancer alone. While many of our services focus on supporting people with cancer after their treatment, this new offer recognises that the need for compassion, comfort and connection extends to the people around them too.
By bringing carers together, these sessions aim to reduce isolation, encourage peer connection and highlight the importance of emotional wellbeing for friends and family members as well.
Everyone is welcome
Anyone supporting a loved one during or after cancer treatment is welcome to attend.
Cancer Support UK hopes this new service will help more people feel understood, supported and better equipped to navigate the challenges that cancer can bring to families and friendships.
To register for an upcoming session please click here: Friends and Family Support Session
or to find out more information please email our Cancer Coach team on: cancercoach@cancersupportuk.org
