Macmillan 1 to 1: WhatsApp messaging support service
The impact of a cancer diagnosis can be a lot to process emotionally.
The Macmillan 1 to 1: WhatsApp support service offers weekly check-ins from trained Macmillan advisors for up to 8 weeks. We can talk about whatever is on your mind, when it suits you.
What is the Macmillan 1 to 1 Service?
If you have been diagnosed with cancer in the last five years and prefer to talk over text rather than talk over the phone, our Macmillan WhatsApp service is available for free, confidential emotional support from a trained advisor who understands what you’re going through.
You can schedule check ins at a time that works for you, helping you to fit conversations around appointments, treatment or daily life.
Whether you want to talk about a diagnosis, coping with your emotions during treatment, adjusting to life after treatment ends, or to simply share anything that is on your mind, this is a safe space for you. There’s also no pressure to know what to say.
You can find out more from our blog post here or from our FAQs.
How to register for the service:
"People could message us when they were at work, on the bus home or in the hospital. It really felt like we had opened up a whole new avenue for people who needed us most." -Siobhan, Macmillan WhatsApp advisor
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I eligible for this service?
To access this service, you should have had a cancer diagnosis within the last 5 years, be over the age of 18, live in the UK and have access to WhatsApp. If you would like to get in touch with us another way, please visit our Get Help information.
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What if I can't make the first chat?
The first chat will be scheduled at a time that best suits you. If you are unable to make the time agreed, this can be rescheduled by sending a message.
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What if I want to stop using the service early?
You do not have to use the full 8 weeks. You can stop using the service at any time.
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When can I schedule a conversation for?You can schedule your conversations between 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Who will I be speaking to?The first registration questions will be with an automated system. After that you will be chatting with a trained and trusted advisor from the Macmillan Support Line. Please note it is not guaranteed that you will always speak to the same advisor on WhatsApp.
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Are my conversations confidential?
If you would like to keep your conversation private you can turn on chat lock on or off. Visit the WhatsApp Help Center to find out more.
Our Privacy Policy and online Terms and Conditions apply when we provide this service.
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What if I don't have a WhatsApp account?If you don’t have a WhatsApp account, you can click the registration link which will prompt you to register. You can also use WhatsApp desktop app or WhatsApp web.
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Can I send voice notes or photos?This is a messaging service only – we will not use WhatsApp to make calls and ask that people not send us voice messages, images or videos.
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What languages can I chat in?Just English at this point. We have an interpreter service on the Macmillan Support Line if you wish to use a different language.