Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador Training

This half-day workshop is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, confidence, tools and strategies to give emotional support to a colleague affected by cancer. It is suitable for HR business partners and people who have come forward to fulfil a volunteer role as a Cancer Support Ambassador in an organisation. Similar to the role of a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), this is separate to the HR function and is purely a supportive and signposting role.

The workshop is designed to build a deeper understanding of cancer, cancer types and treatments and their physical and emotional side effects. It provides practical tools to support someone who has been impacted by cancer and deals with resilience and looking after your own wellbeing following difficult conversations.

Ambassadors have access to follow-up refresher training, as well as the Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador Champion Network, which provides ongoing education and support from Cancer Support UK experts. There is also the opportunity to network with other organisational leads and share valuable learning experiences.

Our highly experienced Cancer Coaches work with cancer patients on a frequent basis and so have a unique insight into how cancer impacts the lives of people both physically and emotionally.

This half-day workshop covers:

  • The role of a Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador
  • Types of cancer and treatments
  • Physical and emotional side effects
  • Communication skills, empathy and the importance of language
    (what’s helpful to say and what’s not so helpful)
  • Practical exercises and tools to have supportive conversations
  • Signposting to additional support
  • Self-care

Course details

Cost of course:

From £150 per person +VAT

Attendee capacity:

Minimum 5 to maximum 12 people

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for any employee who wishes to be a Cancer Support Ambassador within their organisation, and is particularly useful for managers and HR personnel who are providing emotional support to colleagues living with and beyond cancer.

What are the benefits of attending?

  • Create a workplace culture and framework to provide emotional support to employees impacted by cancer.
  • Deeper awareness and understanding of cancer, its treatment and side effects.
  • Greater confidence and skills to have supportive and more empathetic conversations.
  • Better support and signposting for colleagues living with cancer through treatment and recovery.
  • Improved staff morale, motivation and loyalty to your organisation.

“Great training today and a fabulous interactive team. Great to become a Cancer Support Ambassador and to be able to support and help colleagues, friends and family.”

Workshop participant, Mondelez UK

“Very insightful and educational training on how to support people in the right way. I feel so much more confident and comfortable having these types of conversations with people now.”

Gabrielle, Unilever

“I found the session to be extremely valuable and I am taking away some great discussions with fellow participants and tips and techniques around having these conversations at the workplace. Some of the models, namely ‘TED’, ‘PACE’ really resonated with me and I look forward to putting them into practice. Thank you again.”

Jiten, Haysmacintyre LLP

Our clients:

Open Workplace Cancer Support Ambassador course dates

*Wednesday 6 December 1pm-4pm

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the training delivered?

This training is usually on-line using Zoom but we can also deliver using Microsoft Teams if required.
For larger groups, the course can be delivered face to face but there will be an extra charge of 20% plus travel expenses to cover additional costs.

Do you need to have personal experience of cancer to undertake the training?

No personal experience of cancer is required, as the purpose of the Cancer Support Ambassador role is to listen and have supportive conversations. Empathy and use of the right language is key, when providing support to someone affected by cancer.

How are Cancer Support UK qualified to deliver the training?

Cancer Support UK is a charity that provides practical and emotional support to people living with and beyond cancer. Every year we help thousands of people through our Cancer Coach peer support groups, our Cancer Kits and our Workplace Cancer Support Training. Our highly experienced Cancer Coaches work with cancer patients on a frequent basis and so have a unique insight into how cancer impacts the lives of people both physically and emotionally.

For how long is the training relevant?

We are constantly developing and enhancing the training and would recommend refresher training on an annual basis.

Learn More

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