If you’re someone affected by cancer, it’s understandable you might be worried about coronavirus. While the nation stays at home, the pandemic is changing how organisations offer their help, but it doesn’t mean support is unavailable.
Below are some of the organisations where patients and others affected by cancer can find help and support from the safety of their homes – both local and national.
Local groups
Lindsey Lodge Hospice
On Facebook, Lindsey Lodge Hospice is sharing positive fundraising stories. The hospice is also posting some tips and ideas for ways to fundraise from your home, as well as competitions and fun activities for all ages to take part in.
York Against Cancer
The York-based charity is sharing positive stories and fundraising inspiration to lift spirits during this difficult time. They’re also providing details of organisations cancer patients can get in touch with, via phone or video call, for support if they’re struggling. There’s also a York Against Cancer Fun and Friendship Facebook group. Join for light-hearted content and keeping in touch with other patients.
York Breast Friends
The support group for those diagnosed with breast cancer is continuing with its usual agenda of support, fun, and friendship. While its monthly meetings aren’t currently happening, there are plenty of ways its members can stay in touch. York Breast Friends has its own private chat group, and is offering a variety of online, virtual and telephone services for its members.
HER Breast Friends
HER Breast Friends is for women and others diagnosed with breast cancer in Hull and East Riding. Each week on its Facebook, the group is hosting a number of activities, including a midweek quiz and, in collaboration with NHS staff, a social distancing Reiki session.
National groups
Macmillan Living With and Beyond Cancer Team
The team at Macmillan Living With and Beyond Cancer usually confidence-boosting workshops for anyone living with or beyond cancer. These workshops are now available at home, via online interactive video calls of around 8-10 people. Learn tips that’ll help you feel like you again, chat to others, and have all your questions answered.
Learn more about the workshops here.
Bowel Cancer UK
Bowel Cancer UK has launched a Coronavirus Hub on its website, offering health information, emotional wellbeing tips, event updates, and further resources for everyone affected by bowel cancer. This includes a handy coronavirus glossary, which explains the difference between shielding, self-isolation, and social distancing.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only UK lung cancer charity dedicated to helping everyone affected by the disease. This page on the charity’s website has information specifically for lung cancer patients during the pandemic, as well as creative ideas for fundraising, without putting yourself or others in danger.
CLLSA
On Facebook, CLLSA is hosting live video Q&As with health professionals to address any concerns that Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia patients and their families may have regarding COVID-19. The group is also sharing up to date advice for patients to follow during the pandemic.
Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate Cancer UK’s website has all the details about coronavirus for men who have, or have had, prostate cancer. The charity’s specialist nurses are also available to chat to for any patients whose questions aren’t answered on the page, or for anyone looking for some extra support.
We’re always on the lookout for support groups to share with our community. If you’re part of a group that hasn’t been mentioned here, please get in touch at [email protected] and we’d be happy to shout about what you do.
