Cancer Community Meet-ups
When you have cancer it can change everything, including your relationships and the way people talk to you. You may feel everyone around you always wants to know how you’re doing or is starting to treat you differently. At Macmillan we want to create a Cancer Community where people living with cancer can come together and find support in one another.
Why meet up?
Cancer Community Meet-ups are an opportunity to meet with other people living with cancer from the local area in a relaxed and comfortable space.
“I found it most helpful. Helped hearing other people’s stories."
You can contribute in a way that works for you. That might be listening to others, taking time to reflect, sharing your own experiences, frustrations, or indeed anything else – it doesn’t have to be about cancer.We believe simply being around others who understand what you’re going through can really help and it may be reassuring to meet others with similar thoughts and feelings.
We hope you'll find some benefit in these conversations and even being there to listen can be a huge support to others.
Upcoming events
Macmillan is piloting the Cancer Community Meet-ups programme in Bradford, Rochester and Birmingham.
Cancer Community Meet-ups are taking a break over the summer holidays.
Check back for the latest dates soon or email us. If you need support now, call us on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm) or find other ways to get the support you need.
"This meeting has been the best experience. So, so helpful."
Can't see a Meet-up near you?
We're expanding the Meet-ups pilot to include community settings, with Meet-ups being led by individuals who would like to create space in their own community for conversations to take place. If this sounds like something that may be of interest, email CommunityMeetups@macmillan.org.uk to request our guidance pack.
We also have an Online Community where you can connect with others who are living with or who have been affected by cancer. Virtual support is available 24/7, in a safe environment.
What to expect on the day
The events are really informal. There’s no need to register to attend, or to give us any of your details on the day. There are no speeches from Macmillan or anyone else, and no commitments needed from you.
Just join us at the start time and ask a member of the store/centre team where the Meet-up is taking place. Stay and chat as long as you want, and leave when you’re ready. You are welcome to bring along a friend or family member to attend a Meet-up with you.
The meet-ups provide:
- A comfortable space to chat and listen.
- The opportunity to meet others who are going through similar experiences.
- An informal environment with refreshments provided.
"First time I was able to tell my story and be listened to."
Get in touch
If you have any questions about Cancer Community Meet-ups, please get in touch on VolunteerEnquiries@macmillan.org.uk.
Have you attended a Meet-up? We'd love to hear your feedback in this short survey.