What is the Macmillan WhatsApp service?

Blog
Published: 12 August 2026
The Macmillan WhatsApp support service offers emotional support from a trained Macmillan advisor for up to 8 weeks. It is for people who have been diagnosed with cancer in the last 5 years. 

You can chat about anything on your mind, in your own time and at your own pace. 
A dark green pen on a light green background.

Jenny Savage and Sanjeet Shergill Digital Content Editors

The benefits of the service

With the Macmillan WhatsApp support service you can:

  • Message us on WhatsApp if you prefer to text rather than talk, or if talking is not an option. 
  • Receive ongoing support from a trained advisor from the Macmillan Support Line. 
  • Plan the conversations around appointments or treatment.  
  • Chat with someone outside your friends and family who understands what you're going through. 
  • Get free and confidential support. 

What can I chat about?

We offer a safe space to chat about things like: 

  • How you're feeling after a diagnosis. 
  • Telling family, friends or colleagues about your cancer. 
  • Coping with waiting for appointments, tests or results. 
  • Managing your emotions during treatment. 
  • Adjusting to life after treatment ends. 
  • Whatever is on your mind at the time of the conversation. 
 “We reduced the barriers of having to make a phone call, waiting for a convenient time when the kids weren’t around...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 the people who needed us most.”

 

- Siobhan, Cancer Information and Support Advisor 

How to sign up and use it?

The number one.

Click the registration link or scan the QR code below with your phone. This will open WhatsApp.

 

QR Code to register for the Macmillan 1 to 1 WhatsApp service
The number two.
An automated system will ask you 6 registration questions.  After this you will always be chatting with a Macmillan trained advisor. 
The number three.

An advisor will contact you to schedule the first chat at a time that suits you. You can then schedule WhatsApp chats with an advisor over 8 weeks to talk about how you’re feeling and what’s on your mind.   

You can schedule your conversations between 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more details about registering visit the WhatsApp service page.

In this screenshot you will see an example of the support we deliver through Whatsapp.

Screenshot of a conversation from the Macmillan whatsapp support service.

 

 

Commonly asked questions

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.  

If you prefer to speak to someone on the phone, you can ring the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 or visit a local Macmillan centre. 

What if I can't make the time for 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. 

Who will I be speaking to? 

The first registration questions will be with an automated system. After that you will be chatting with an advisor from the Macmillan Support Line.  

What languages can I chat in?  

Just English at this point. We have an interpreter service on the support line if you wish to use a different language. 

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. 

What can I do if I’m worried about someone else seeing my messages  

If you would like to keep your conversation private you can turn on chat lock Turn chat lock on or off | WhatsApp Help Center.  

Can I use WhatsApp to contact Macmillan about volunteering?  

No this is just a support service. You can find out about different ways to contact Macmillan.

What other services does Macmillan offer? 

We offer a range of different support services including phone and online support, face to face services and online information. View a list of Macmillan services.

Can I use WhatsApp on my computer? 

You can click the registration link and use WhatsApp desktop app or WhatsApp web.

About our information

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team. Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information. 

Accurate information helps you make informed choices. Look for trustworthy, reliable sources such as Macmillan Cancer Support, the NHS and your own healthcare team. 

We have more information on how to find reliable health information online and understanding cancer misinformation.

 

Read more

View more blogs