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

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?

A Cancer Community Meet-up provides a relaxed and comfortable space for people affected by cancer  to meet up with people in their local community who may be going through similar experiences. 

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. You can also bring along a friend or family member to a Meet-up.  

What happens at a Meet-up?

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. 

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). 

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

You can find upcoming dates at Hollywood Bowl venues: 
  • Birmingham

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

    When: Every Tuesday at 12:30pm

    • 6 January
    • 13 January
    • 20 January
    • 27 January
    • 3 February
    • 10 February
    • 24 February
    • 3 March
    • 10 March
    • 17 March
    • 24 March
    • 14 April
    • 21 April
    • 28 April

    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
    • 7 January
    • 21 January
    • 4 February
    • 4 March
    • 15 April
    • 29 April
    What to expect: A free game of bowling and light refreshments
  • Manchester

    Where: Hollywood Bowl, Fold Way, Ashton Mass Leisure Park, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0PG

    When: Every other Wednesday at 10am. Dates below:

    • 14 January
    • 28 January

    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

    • 14 January
    • 28 January
    • 11 February
    • 25 February
    • 11 March
    • 25 March

    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

    • 13 January
    • 27 January
    • 10 February
    • 3 March
    • 17 March
    • 31 March
    • 25 April
    • 12 May

    What to expect: A free game of bowling 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 December 

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

Upcoming Loungers venue meetups

You can find upcoming dates at Loungers venues: 
  • Washington

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

    When: Every other Thursday at 10am 

    • 4 December
    • 18 December

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

  • Prestatyn

    Where: Torello Lounge, 57 High Street, Prestatyn, LL19 9AH

    When: Every other Wednesday at 10:30am

    • 14 January
    • 28 January
    • 11 February
    • 25 February
    • 11 March
    • 25 March

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

Find cancer support services near you

Which location are you interested in?

Find out about Macmillan services in your area. From cancer information centres to welfare and benefits advice services.

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.