Cancer Community Meet-ups
When you have cancer it can change everything, including your relationships and the way people talk to you. You may feel everyone around you always wants to know how you’re doing or is starting to treat you differently. At Macmillan we want to create a Cancer Community where people living with cancer can come together and find support in one another.
Why meet up?
Cancer Community Meet-ups are an opportunity to meet with other people living with cancer from the local area in a relaxed and comfortable space.
“I found it most helpful. Helped hearing other people’s stories."
You can contribute in a way that works for you. That might be listening to others, taking time to reflect, sharing your own experiences, frustrations, or indeed anything else – it doesn’t have to be about cancer.We believe simply being around others who understand what you’re going through can really help and it may be reassuring to meet others with similar thoughts and feelings.
We hope you'll find some benefit in these conversations and even being there to listen can be a huge support to others.
Upcoming events
Macmillan is currently piloting the Cancer Community Meet-ups programme in the below locations:
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Glasgow
The next Meet-ups will be taking place at Costa Coffee, 208/212 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3EF, on the following dates:
- Thursday 20 June, from 10am
- Thursday 4 July, from 10am
- Thursday 18 July, from 10am
You can find directions to the venue on Google Maps.
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Plymouth
The next Meet-ups will be taking place at Costa Coffee, 51-53 New George St, Plymouth, PL1 1RJ on the following dates:
- Thursday 20 June, from 2pm
- Thursday 4 July, from 2pm
- Thursday 18 July, from 2pm
You can find directions to the venue on Google Maps.
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Bradford
The next Meet-ups will be taking place at Hollywood Bowl, Unit 5, 5 Vicar Lane, Bradford BD1 4DY on the following dates:
- Tuesday 25 June, from 11am
- Tuesday 9 July, from 11am
You can find directions to the venue on Google Maps.
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Rochester
The next Meet-ups will be taking place at Hollywood Bowl, 7 Roman Way, Chariot Way, Rochester ME2 2SS on the following date:
- Wednesday 26 June, from 11am
- Wednesday 10 July, from 11am
- Wednesday 17 July, from 11am
You can find directions to the venue on Google Maps.
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Birmingham
'The next Meet-ups will be taking place at Hollywood Bowl, Broadway Plaza, Ladywood Middleway, Birmingham B16 8EQ on the following dates:
- Tuesday 25 June, from 2pm
- Tuesday 2 July, from 11am
- Tuesday 9 July, from 11am
- Tuesday 16 July, from 11am
You can find directions to the venue on Google Maps.
"This meeting has been the best experience. So, so helpful."
Can't see a Meet-up near you?
We're expanding the Meet-ups pilot to include community settings, with Meet-ups being led by individuals who would like to create space in their own community for conversations to take place. If this sounds like something that may be of interest, email CommunityMeetups@macmillan.org.uk to request our guidance pack.
We also have an Online Community where you can connect with others who are living with or who have been affected by cancer. Virtual support is available 24/7, in a safe environment.
What to expect on the day
The events are really informal. There’s no need to register to attend, or to give us any of your details on the day. There are no speeches from Macmillan or anyone else, and no commitments needed from you.
Just join us at the start time and ask a member of the store/centre team where the Meet-up is taking place. Stay and chat as long as you want, and leave when you’re ready. You are welcome to bring along a friend or family member to attend a Meet-up with you.
The meet-ups provide:
- A comfortable space to chat and listen.
- The opportunity to meet others who are going through similar experiences.
- An informal environment with refreshments provided.
"First time I was able to tell my story and be listened to."
Get in touch
If you have any questions about Cancer Community Meet-ups, please get in touch on VolunteerEnquiries@macmillan.org.uk.
Have you attended a Meet-up? We'd love to hear your feedback in this short survey.