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World Mental Health Day

Thursday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. This is an awareness day for mental health. Find out how Macmillan is supporting people's mental health and well-being.

How we can support your mental health

A cancer diagnosis not only has physical impacts, but also emotional ones too. We are here to do whatever it takes to support people living with cancer, including with their mental health.
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Free counselling

In partnership with Bupa, we are offering one-to-one counselling (up to 4 sessions) for people living with cancer. These sessions are free and led by a qualified therapist.

Learn about free counselling

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Financial support

Financial worries can affect mental health. Macmillan grants are means tested one-off payments to help with extra costs. We also have welfare rights advisors to take your call through the Macmillan Support Line.

We also have information about the cost of living.

A close photo that shows a hand on a computer mouse. The mouse is on a mouse pad and it appears the person is wearing a long sleeve pink top.

Online HOPE programme

The HOPE programme is a group 6 week self-management online course. It has been co-designed alongside people living with cancer, and is based on positive psychology, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy.

Learn about the programme

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Online Community

You can get support through our Online Community. These groups include:

Read more about mental health support for people with cancer on the online community blog.

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Support groups

There are local support groups across the UK for people living with cancer. They offer people a chance to talk about anything that is affecting them.

Use our In Your Area tool to find your local group.

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Macmillan Buddies

Living with cancer can be a lonely experience, that's why it helps to talk. Through Macmillan Buddies you can have a weekly talk or visit from a Macmillan Buddy.

You can get up to 12 weeks of support for yourself or someone else.

Learn about Macmillan Buddies

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Macmillan Support Line

Our support line offers confidential support 7 days a week (8am-8pm). You can contact the support line on 0808 808 00 00.

If you prefer, you can also chat with us online or email us.

Follow World Mental Health Day on social media

We will be sharing content around mental health on 10 October on the following platforms:

You can join in with the day using the hashtag #WorldMentalHealth.

To learn more about World Mental Health Day, visit the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) website. 

Your stories

Watch and listen to stories from people with cancer and the impact cancer has had on their mental health. Content warning: these stories have strong emotional content.
Viewed from above, a person is seen sat on a boulder. They are wearing a long sleeve cardigan. They are knitting with colourful yarn.Viewed from above, a person is seen sat on a boulder. They are wearing a long sleeve cardigan. They are knitting with colourful yarn.
"Crafting gives me a sense of mindfulness."
As part of our Digital Storytelling series, Helen explores how she used crafting as a method for helping her understand her emotions and cope with impacts of cancer.
Watch Helen's video
"I'd lost my working partner. I'd lost my best friend."
In our Talking Cancer podcast, Chris talks about being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2007 and 2017. He explores his grief after his father died of cancer in 2015 and what it was like to receive a second diagnosis without him.
Listen to Chris's story
A screenshot from a video in Macmillan's Mother Tongue series. It is from Kiwi's story. It includes Kiwi and his father sitting on a white sofa. Kiwi's father is speaking and the video caption included says 'He understands it because he's gone through it.'A screenshot from a video in Macmillan's Mother Tongue series. It is from Kiwi's story. It includes Kiwi and his father sitting on a white sofa. Kiwi's father is speaking and the video caption included says 'He understands it because he's gone through it.'
"Within our community depression and mental health are not spoken about."
As part of our Mother Tongue series, Kiwi and his father Indravadan discuss Kiwi's cancer diagnosis and the impact it had on his mental health.
Watch Kiwi's video
Read more stories

How you can help on World Mental Health Day

A group of people standing on a bridge near the UK Parliament building in London. The group is diverse and includes people from different age groups and backgrounds. Some people in the photo are holding white pieces of paper.
Campaign with us

Join over 25,000 people across the UK, who are campaigning with Macmillan for better support for people living with cancer.

Jenny is sat at a table in the Macmillan Horizon Centre's café. She is wearing a green polo shirt and a green apron with the Macmillan logo on it. She appears to be talking to someone.
Become a volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to support your mental health and there are lots of ways you can get involved.

Dessie has long black hair and is smiling. She is wearing a orange polka dotted top and a dark grey cardigan. The background behind her is blurred. Dessie is a Macmillan Cancer Voice.
Share your story

By sharing your experience with us, you can help influence Macmillan's work and inspire more people to help people living with cancer.

Two men are walking. They are wearing green Macmillan tops with an event number pinned to the tops. They are also wearing dark blue pagris and backpacks.
Fundraise for Macmillan

Join us at an event or take on your own challenge to help raise vital funds for Macmillan.

View other awareness pages