A woman playing ten pin bowling

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.

We’ve partnered with Hollywood Bowl Group so that people living with cancer can come together and connect over a free game of bowling.

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.

"This meeting has been the best experience. So, so helpful."

Upcoming events

Cancer Community Meet-ups are currently taking place in Hollywood Bowl centres in Birmingham, Bradford, Cardiff, Dundee, Glasgow Coatbridge, Preston and Rochester. 

You will be warmly welcomed by the Meet-up Host (a member of the Hollywood Bowl team) who will show you to the Meet-up area and provide light refreshments. You’re also welcome to bring a friend or family member along to enjoy a free game of bowling with you too.

As Meet-ups are led by Hollywood Bowl in partnership with Macmillan, there will not be Macmillan representation there on the day.

Meet-ups will take a break over the school summer holidays. You can find upcoming dates below. September dates coming soon!

  • Birmingham

    Taking place at Hollywood Bowl, Broadway Plaza, Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham B16 8EQ every Tuesday at 12:30pm.

    • 24 June
    • 1 July
    • 8 July
    • 15 July
  • Bradford

    Taking place at Hollywood Bowl, Unit 5, 5 Vicar Lane, Bradford BD1 4DY every other Wednesday at 11am.

    • 18 June
    • 2 July
    • 16 July
  • Dundee

    Taking place at Hollywood Bowl, Eclipse Leisure Park, Douglas Road, Dundee DD4 8JX every Tuesday at 11am.

    • 24 June
    • 1 July
    • 8 July
    • 15 July
  • Glasgow Coatbridge

    Taking place at Hollywood Bowl, Showcase Leisure Park, Barrbridge Road, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire G69 7TZ every other Tuesday at 11am.

    • 24 June
    • 8 July
  • Preston

    Taking place at Hollywood Bowl, Unit 1-9, Animate, Tenterfield Street, Preston PR1 2BL every Wednesday at 11am. 

    • 25 June 
    • 2 July 
    • 9 July
    • 16 July 
  • Rochester

    Taking place at Hollywood Bowl, 9 Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Rochester ME2 2SS every other Tuesday at 11am.

    • 1 July

Can't see a Meet-up near you?

We are hoping to expand the Cancer Community Meet-ups further in the future.

If you are looking for support near you, visit our 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.

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Find your nearest local information and support services.
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What to expect on the day

2 women hugging at a bowling alley.

Meet-ups are really informal. There’s no need to register to attend, or to give us any of your details on the day.

As Meet-ups are led by Hollywood Bowl in partnership with Macmillan, there will not be Macmillan representation there on the day.

If you feel you need additional support from Macmillan, please call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm).

Simply turn up at the venue at the start time, let a member of the Hollywood Bowl team know you're there and the Meet-up Host will greet you and show you where to go. Enjoy your game of bowling and then 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 so they can also enjoy some well-earned fun.

The Meet-ups provide:
  • A comfortable space to chat and listen to others over a free game of bowling.
  • The opportunity to meet others who are going through similar experiences.
  • An informal environment with light refreshments provided.

Feedback from a Meet-up attendee

"This is such a fantastic opportunity for cancer sufferers to meet up but also enjoy a day with their loved ones at no cost to them, which we know is a big concern to many with people with cancer."

"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.