Collage of three images. The first is of a man and woman chatting over coffee. The second is a group of people standing in a bowling alley. The third image is of two people standing and one has her arm around the other.

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.

What is a Cancer Community Meet-up?

Cancer Community Meet-ups provide a relaxed and comfortable space for people with cancer and their loved ones to meet up with other people in their local community who may be going through similar experiences.

The idea behind Meet-ups is simple. Being around others who understand what you’re going through is an incredible source of support. Just knowing you’re not alone can provide reassurance and a sense of belonging. Unlike a more formal support group, Meet-ups have no agenda, no requirement to sign up, and no requirement to speak about cancer or even to speak at all.  

Macmillan and Hollywood Bowl Group

We’ve partnered with Hollywood Bowl Group to launch Meet-ups in a number of their centres across the UK, so that people living with cancer can come together and connect over a free game of bowling. Meet-ups are hosted by a member of the Hollywood Bowl team, who is there to warmly welcome guests and signpost to further support from Macmillan if required.  

In the video below meet some of the people who have attended Meet-ups at Hollywood Bowl Birmingham Broadway to hear how they have benefitted from meeting others who are going through similar experiences to them.

Chloe, Meet-up host at Hollywood Bowl Rochester

'It's so wonderful to see new friendships blossoming and people's spirits lifted after attending a Meet-up. It’s been the best experience and it’s honestly the most rewarding part of my job.'

Feedback from a Meet-up attendee

'This is such a fantastic opportunity for people with cancer 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'.

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

Upcoming Cancer Community Meet-ups

Cancer Community Meet-ups are currently taking place in Hollywood Bowl centres in Birmingham, Bradford, Preston, Rochester and Watford, and Cantoro Lounge in Washington. 
 
Simply turn up at the venue at the start time and let a member of staff know you're there. You will be warmly welcomed by the Meet-up Host who will show you to the Meet-up area and provide light refreshments. You’re welcome to bring a friend or family member along with you.   
 
Meet-ups are led by organisations in the local community, in partnership with Macmillan. There will not be Macmillan representation there on the day so if you feel you need additional support from Macmillan, please call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm). 
 
Meet-ups will take a break over the school summer holidays and will start again in September. You can find upcoming dates below. 

  • Birmingham

    Where: Hollywood Bowl, Broadway Plaza, Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham B16 8EQ 

    When: Every Tuesday at 12:30pm 

    • 2 September 
    • 9 September 
    • 16 September 
    • 23 September 
    • 30 September 

    What to expect: A free game of bowling and light refreshments 

  • Bradford
    Where: Hollywood Bowl, Unit 5, 5 Vicar Lane, Bradford BD1 4DY 

    When: Every other Wednesday at 11am 
    • 10 September 
    • 24 September
    • 8 October
    • 5 November 
    What to expect: A free game of bowling and light refreshments 
  • Preston

    Where: Hollywood Bowl, Unit 1-9, Animate, Tenterfield Street, Preston PR1 2BL 

    When: Every other Wednesday at 11am

    • 10 September 
    • 24 September 
    • 8 October
    • 22 October 

    What to expect: A free game of bowling and light refreshments 

  • Rochester

    Where: Hollywood Bowl, 9 Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Rochester ME2 2SS 

    When: Every other Tuesday at 11am 

    • 9 September 
    • 23 September 
    • 7 October 
    • 4 November 

    What to expect: A free game of bowling and light refreshments 

  • Washington

    Where: Cantoro Lounge, Unit 91, The Galleries, Washington NE38 7SD 

    When: Every other Thursday at 10am

    • 11 September 
    • 25 September 
    • 9 October 
    • 23 October 

    What to expect: A warm, friendly welcome and light refreshments 

  • Watford

    Where: Hollywood Bowl Watford Woodside, Woodside Leisure Park, Kingsway North Orbital Road, Watford WD25 7JZ 

    When: Second Tuesday of each month at 11am 

    • 9 September 
    • 14 October 
    • 11 November 
    • 9 December 

    What to expect: A free game of bowling and light refreshments 

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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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.