Macmillan Telephone Buddies

Going through cancer can be an isolating experience at any time, and especially when social distancing. Our free Telephone Buddy service is here for you. We'll match you with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly call.

Your volunteer buddy will be a listening ear, ready to talk about how you’re feeling and your support needs during this difficult time. They can also let you know about our services, and all the ways Macmillan can help, to ensure you don't face cancer alone.

1. You sign up to register your interest.
2. We'll get in touch to find out what support you need.
3. We'll find a Telephone Buddy who suits your needs.
4. You'll get a weekly call from your Telephone Buddy.

You'll receive up to 8 weeks or more of support, or whatever works best for you.

Here are some other services that may be useful if you need support now: 

• Call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm. You can also use the web chat. They can provide clinical, practical and financial information. 
• Visit the Macmillan Online Community to chat anonymously about the experience of having cancer. Join discussions about everything from managing money, your rights at work, and coping with treatment. 
• You can also find our information about cancer and coronavirus and general cancer information and support.

Volunteering to be a Telephone Buddy

Telephone Buddies was set up as a coronavirus response project, it has been hugely successful in supporting people living with cancer, however we have reached our maximum capacity for Telephone Buddy volunteers and have therefore taken the action to pause new registrations until further notice.

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications to become a volunteer Telephone Buddy. If you are interested in volunteering for Macmillan, then please head over to the volunteering website for a selection of the currently available opportunities.