Help and Support
Support can mean different things to different people so this section includes all types of organisations that can provide help for anyone affected by cancer. They range from large national charities to small support groups for a particular type of cancer.
National Organisations
As there are hundreds of organisations in the UK that provide different types of information and support related to a specific cancer or supportive therapy it would be impossible for us to list them all here. The ones we have included are not only the leaders in their field they also provide excellent links to other organisations who may be of help.
To use this listing click on the alphabet letter ;
| A | B | C | D | E |
| F | G | H | I | J |
| K | L | M | N | O |
| P | Q | R | S | T |
| U | V | W | X | Y/Z |
We are very keen to include organisations that you may have found helpful so please do send us details via our enquiry form.
Finding Support Locally
Cancer Information and Support Centres
These range in size from purpose built centres with facilities for providing therapies to drop in centres with limited opening hours. But the one thing you can be sure of is that all of them will offer you the warmest of welcomes, and an opportunity to talk in an unhurried setting at a time of your choosing.
The easiest way to find your nearest Cancer Information and Support Centre is to use the search facility on the Macmillan Cancer Support website.
Web Info Source : www.macmillan.org.uk.
Support Groups
Support groups bring together people on the cancer journey - patients, relatives, friends and sometimes the professionals involved in cancer care. It is quite usual for a group to include people with cancer at different stages; this wider experience helps people see their own problems from a different perspective. Some people find support groups very helpful, although this may not be the case for all.
As support groups often change their contact details it is not possible for us to list all the groups that are available across the country. Instead we offer the following options and advice;
- Ask your GP and/or your specialist nurse - they often have details of local groups.
- The Macmillan Cancer Support website has a search facility for local support groups but it is worth noting that it is not an exhaustive list so if you cannot find what you are looking for don’t assume that it does not exist.
Web Info Source: www.macmillan.org.uk
- Contact us either via our enquiry service or the helpline and we will do our best to help you find the right group for you.
Regional Organisations
In each region of the country there are umbrella organizations that can provide details of local services. It is our intention to develop this section over time but, in line with our initial objectives, we have started with Sussex and Kent.
County Council Organisations :
Kent
Tel: 01622 694140
Web : cip.kentconnects.comEast Sussex
Tel : 01273 481754
Web : www.escis.org.ukWest Sussex
Tel : 01243 777100
Web : www.westsussex.gov.uk
In addition there are Help Points in every library that hold the same information
Other Organizations :
West Sussex
ICIS
Tel : 0800 859929
Web :
www.icis-info4life.org.uk. ICIS signposts people to sources of help and support when they are experiencing difficulties in their lives and don't know who to speak to or where to go. Information is provided for people of all ages in West Sussex and covers all aspects of day to day living.
Your Local Cancer Network
Cancer Networks are the umbrella organisations that bring together all the organizations involved with the delivery of cancer services for a given population. There are 34 networks across the country so they often cross county borders.
Most of the networks have a website but the content in each is different. You should find information on how your local cancer services are organized, and on many you will find information on local groups.
Sussex Cancer Network
Web : www.sussexcancer.nhs.ukSurrey, West Sussex & Hampshire Cancer Network
Web : www.swshcn.nhs.ukKent Cancer Network
Web Info Source : www.kentandmedway.nhs.uk
Web Page Updated : 13-Jul-2009