Many people during or post cancer treatment can feel alone, anxious, and isolated. Joining a group where they can meet people who have similar experiences to their own can be very beneficial and can help people to feel more connected.
Local support groups are usually free and are open for anyone affected by cancer. Some groups cover all types of cancer and other groups are for people with a specific type of cancer.
There are also groups that can help carers, family and friends of people with cancer come to terms with what is happening, how best to help and how to take care of themselves.
Macmillan offer a resource on their website where you can find a local support group near you, details HERE.
Fiona McGeever, Irish in Britain's Partnerships and Engagement Officer, and herself a breast cancer survivor says of her support group:
“It is through meeting others in the chemo unit that a group called Chatterbox was formed. We are an informal get–together group of cancer patients for cancer patients. We talk, share experiences and information, have a whinge, a moan and a giggle together, make new friends and have a fun in a safe place.
“Without the support of this group my world would have been so much harder. I have made fantastic friendships and together we want to help others find their place in their new cancer world and to let them know they are not alone.”
Please visit the website at Chatterbox for more information and stories. If you would like to download PDFs of Chatterbox leaflets you can access the one on emotions HERE and one with practical tips HERE.
We have a dedicated section on our website on raising awareness of cancer in the Irish community - click HERE.