Cancer support services for your patients
We do whatever it takes to help your patients living with cancer. Whether they are looking for information about treatment, or money, or they just want someone to talk to, we’re here to help. Read about the services and information available to support your patients. You can also download this guide as a pdf.
Macmillan Support Line
Your patients have many needs which are likely to change as they go through cancer treatment. We have expert advisors who can help answer questions about cancer treatment, work and benefits, or offer emotional support.
Share the contact details for the Macmillan Support Line with your patients. Ask them to call 0808 239 1235 for free (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm).
How our specialist teams can support your patients
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Support with money worries
We can help your patients understand how to manage the impact of cancer on their household budget. We can also give advice on what support is available and help them to access it.
Your patients can contact our specialist Financial Guidance team about money worries for free on 0808 239 1235, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8pm to 6pm.
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Energy Advice
If cancer is affecting someone’s ability to pay bills, our energy advice team can check if your patients are entitled to any additional support. This includes charitable grants.
Your patients can contact our Energy Advice team for free on 0808 239 1235, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
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Welfare Rights
Our welfare rights advisers can help your patients access the benefits, financial support and grants they may be entitled to. We can also help them find out if they are eligible for a Macmillan grant to help with the financial impact of cancer.
Your patients can contact our Welfare Rights team for free on 0808 239 1235, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm; Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm.
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Information and support about work
We can help your patients understand their work rights, whether they are employed or self-employed. Our work support team can also refer your patients for one-off legal advice if they need it.
Your patients can contact our Work Support team for free on 0808 239 1235, web chat or email, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
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Practical support for your patients
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Support with how your patients are feeling
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Information about cancer and treatment
Easy referrals to the Macmillan Support Line
If you’re a primary care professional, you can refer your patients to the Macmillan Support Line through a referral form embedded within EMIS and SystmOne. You need to fill in the form, save it, and email it to supportlinereferrals@macmillan.org.uk. The patient will then receive a call back from one of our advisers who will assess their needs and offer relevant information and support options.
Please note, patients cannot request a Macmillan nurse through the Support Line. As a GP, you can refer patients to an NHS trust, which may or may not have a Macmillan nurse.
Watch the video to hear Anthony Cunliffe, GP and Macmillan Clinical Adviser, talking about the new referral process to the Macmillan Support Line and how the service can benefit your patients.
Support for patients at diagnosis
We can offer your patients tailored, ongoing information and support to help them cope with the physical, financial and emotional impacts of cancer. From advice on how to talk to loved ones and preparing for treatment, to understanding which benefits they may be entitled to, we’re here to help.
Signing up for support is simple
Your patients can sign up to receive ongoing information via email or post, with content tailored to their cancer type. Tell your patients to:
- sign up at macmillan.org.uk/diagnosis
- call 0800 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) for an information pack in the post.
Cancer information and booklets
You can browse all of our cancer information on our website.
You can also order booklets for your patients. We have information in other languages and formats.
Macmillan Online Community
Watch the video below to find out more.
Free Bupa counselling
Your patients can call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0800 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm, and ask about the Bupa service.
Find out more about how this service can help people living with cancer and who can access it by visiting our Bupa page.
Money and work
Managing money
Cancer can be tough on people’s finances. Money worries can be confusing and overwhelming, but we're here to help. We can provide people with the information, support and guidance to find their best way through.
Find out what resources and support are available to help support patients with help with the cost of living and cancer and read our money and cancer FAQs.
Work and cancer
We can offer help, support and guidance on work and cancer. If your patient has or has had cancer, they are protected by law from unfair treatment at work. Your patients can contact our Work Support Service on 0800 808 00 00 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 6pm).
Find out more about the information we have about work and cancer.
Search for local support services
Macmillan supports over 900 independent cancer support groups and organisations in the UK. If your patient would like to find somewhere locally to talk about their cancer experience, search our directory below.
Information and Support Centres
Our local information and support centres aim to provide a listening ear. We also offer information on everything from different cancer types to finding support groups.
Some of our support centres offer counselling, complementary therapy or support to deal with issues such as hair loss. Our centres are open to everyone and you don't need to book an appointment.
Coronavirus guidance for your patients
We have developed coronavirus information for people living with cancer, which includes emotional and practical support for people.
If you would like the latest coronavirus information and guidance, you can also visit the NHS website.