Macmillan Buddies

If you need to talk, we're here to listen. With a weekly call or visit from one of our trained Macmillan Buddies, you don't have to face cancer alone.
Sign up for support from a Macmillan Buddy

Get up to 12 weeks of support for you or someone else.

Sign up

How a Macmillan Buddy helps

Going through cancer can be an isolating experience at any time. Our free Macmillan Buddy service (formerly called Telephone Buddies) is here for you.

We'll match you with someone who understands what you're going through, and they'll give you a weekly telephone call, video call or visit in your home.

Your volunteer buddy is there for you. You can talk to them 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 make sure you don't face cancer alone.

Karen, diagnosed with endometrial cancer and used the Telephone Buddy service

"My buddy was very encouraging and supportive. The conversations we had put a smile back on my face. It was about sharing the good times as well as the bad.”

How it works

  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 Macmillan Buddy who suits your needs.
  4. You'll get a weekly telephone call, video call or in-person visit in your home (*subject to an initial assessment call).
Sign up for support from a Macmillan Buddy

Get up to 12 weeks of support for you or someone else.

Sign up

How do I volunteer in the Buddy service?  

If you are interested in volunteering as a Macmillan Buddy, you can find out everything you need to know on our page about Volunteering as a Macmillan Buddy.

If you'd like to know more about volunteering with Macmillan and other roles we have available, take a look at our Volunteering section.
Stewart is leaning against a door frame. He is smiling, holding a mobile up to his ear and has a mug in his other hand.

Stewart, Telephone Buddy

"If you feel like you want to help people, you will make things better. No one is expecting you to fix the situation, but you can help their spirit, their soul and their emotions. It’s all part of the journey and sometimes that is overlooked by others."