New Cancer Coach ‘Men’s Drop-In’ Sessions

At Cancer Support UK, we know that life post cancer treatment can be an ongoing challenge. While people around you may be expecting you to return to feeling optimistic, relieved or even celebratory once your treatment has concluded, we know that the reality can be very different. Many people tell us that post-treatment can be a lonely and stressful time. This is why we believe in the power of peer support to reduce isolation and improve emotional wellbeing.

Talking about our wellbeing can feel difficult, and we know that this can be a particular challenge for men, where there may be more stigma around sharing your emotions or less opportunity to connect to others.

Our facilitator Martin Groom

In response to this we have developed our monthly men’s drop-in sessions. Each session will be led by our experienced facilitator Martin, and gives an opportunity to speak with other men and connect through shared experience.

Each session has a broad theme, which is designed to provide some guided discussion on topics which are common post-treatment concerns. However the focus of the session will be on open discussion, where you can share your experience and listen to others.

Book now: https://cancersupportuk.beaconforms.com/form/2dd434e9

Thursday 21st May 6pm-7pm – Managing our thinking

Managing Our Thinking is an informal, conversation‑led session for men adjusting to life after cancer treatment. The discussion creates space to talk about day‑to‑day experiences and themes like how we respond to our thoughts, what helps us stay steady, and ways of handling unhelpful thinking. The session offers an opportunity to share and pick up ideas that feel useful to support you in moving forwards.

Tuesday 16th June 6pm-7pm – Relationships after Cancer

Relationships After Cancer is a space to have a conversation about how connections with partners, family, and friends can change once treatment is over. Many men find that roles, expectations, and communication shift in ways they didn’t anticipate. This session offers space to explore the impact of those changes from feeling closer to some people to feeling distance with others and to consider what these shifts mean for you now. It’s a chance to talk openly about the adjustments, pressures, and surprises that come with changing relationships after cancer.

Tuesday 7th July 6pm-7pm 2026 – Exploring Our Goals

Exploring Our Goals is a relaxed, discussion‑led session for men navigating life after cancer treatment. The focus isn’t on setting targets instead, conversations naturally bring up what matters now, what’s changed, and where you might want to head next. It’s simply a space to talk, reflect, and let direction emerge at your own pace.

Book now: https://cancersupportuk.beaconforms.com/form/2dd434e9

Or find out more by emailing our Cancer Coach team on: cancercoach@cancersupportuk.org

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access the drop in?

Each drop-in will take place on Zoom. Once you complete the joining form, you will be sent a Zoom link for the session. The zoom link will be the same for each session.

Do I need to be on camera?

No, there is no obligation to be on camera. We do encourage people to have their cameras on as being able to see one another enhances peer support and connection. However you are welcome to do whatever is comfortable for you.

I’m still in treatment, is this session right for me?

All Cancer Coach services focus on post-treatment challenges. For this reason, we advise that people will benefit most from our services once they have completed their active treatment.

However, we recognise that there is significant variety in what post-treatment can mean, depending on your cancer type. So while we would broadly not recommend our services to those still in treatment, we don’t work on a one size fits all approach.

If you are unsure if this service is right for you then just get in touch with the Cancer Coach team on cancercoach@cancersupportuk.org who can discuss this with you further. If the service isn’t the right fit for you, then we can provide signposting to support you in accessing other services.

How is the session facilitated?

Each drop-in will be led by an experienced male facilitator. The facilitator is there to support in keeping the conversation on topic and ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all attendees.

Who is the facilitator?

Martin Groom. With a background in leadership development, coaching and communication, Martin brings a calm, compassionate and deeply human approach to supporting people affected by cancer.

Drawing on years of experience working with individuals, teams and organisations, he creates spaces where people feel heard, understood and empowered, helping others to navigate difficult conversations, rebuild confidence and reconnect with what matters most to them.

As a volunteer Cancer Coach and Facilitator, Martin combines practical insight with genuine empathy, supporting people in a way that is both thoughtful and relatable. Whether working one-to-one or with groups, his focus is on encouragement, connection and helping people move forward with strength and hope.

How do the themes work?

The drop-in is designed to be an open conversation rather than a heavily structured session. However, we have broad themes for each session which will be introduced by the facilitator. The aim of this is to support attendees in finding healthy and proactive ways to talk about these common post treatment challenges and share approaches to help improve wellbeing over time.

What if I can’t attend all three sessions?

There is no obligation to attend all sessions, simply attend the ones that are suitable for you.

What if none of these dates work for me?

Beyond the three listed dates, we will continue to run sessions monthly. Once you register your interest, we will let you know about each upcoming session in advance, so you can attend whenever you are available.

Is there a charge to attend?

There is no charge for any of our Cancer Coach services as we believe that free emotional support should be available to everyone living with and beyond cancer.

However, should you wish to make a donation to support the running of our services, you can do so on our website here: https://cancersupportuk.org/support-us/

I’m not familiar with how to use zoom

If you are unsure about the technology of accessing the drop-in, please contact the Cancer Coach team on cancercoach@cancersupportuk.org who will be happy to give you guidance. You will not need a zoom account in order to access the session.

Is this a group counselling session?

It is important to be aware that the drop-in is an emotional peer support group not a counselling session. Although the focus of the conversation will be around emotional wellbeing, it is not intended to be an alternative for talking therapies. If your level of need is beyond what the drop-in can provide, then we may signpost you to more relevant services.

Is what I say in the drop in confidential?

Everything that you share within the drop-in is confidential between you and the charity. The only exception to this is if we need to initiate our safeguarding procedure if you disclose risk of harm to yourself or others.

 

Compassion. Comfort. Connection.