Support
Support for cancer patients in Wales
The Wales Cancer Alliance knows that people affected by cancer have many different needs and concerns. Their diagnosis, prognosis and treatment vary widely as do their life circumstances.
We have produced a directory of support services for cancer patients in Wales providing a wealth of information and support for everyone affected by cancer. It’s also a resource for healthcare professionals to signpost to patients, carers and their families.
Please click on the relevant links and logos below for details concerning our free support services.
Action Kidney Cancer
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online information & Support
publications
Link to website
ALK + UK
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face to face group services
Regional lunch time meetings throughout the UK three time a year for our members.
one to one services
Support line
phone/helpline line
help line
online information & Support
www.alkpositive.org.uk for patients, families and HCPs
publications
available at https://www.alkpositive.org.uk/copy-of-resources-5
support group
Private Facebook Support group – http://facebook.com/groups/ALKpositiveUK
other (please state)
Annual weekend conference free to members
Link to website
Blood Cancer Alliance
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publications
Link to website
Bowel Cancer UK
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face to face group services
No
one to one services
No
phone/helpline line
online information & Support
Yes
online forum
yes
publications
yes
counselling
no
support group
no
financial advice
no
other (please state)
no
Link to website
Bowel Cancer UK
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face to face group services
Na
one to one services
Na
phone/helpline line
oes, e-bostiwch wasanaeth ask the nurse
online information & Support
Oes
online forum
Oes
publications
Oes
counselling
Nasupport group
Nafinancial advice
Na
other (please state)
Na
Link to website
brainstrust
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face to face group services
N/A
one to one services
online information & Support
online forum
Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/braintumoursupportbrainstrust
publications
Resources and downloads – https://brainstrust.org.uk/brain-tumour-support/resources/downloads/
counselling
support group
Online webinars, workshops and meetup groups – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/brainstrust-the-brain-cancer-people-13960046035
financial advice
https://brainstrust.org.uk/brain-tumour-support/quality-of-life/practical-help/money-matters/
Also have a welfare and benefits advisor
other (please state)
Patient involvement in clinical research – https://brainstrust.org.uk/about-brainstrust/brain-tumour-research/
Fundraising – https://brainstrust.org.uk/get-involved/
Link to website
Breast Cancer Now
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face to face group services
Moving Forward currently run with all breast centres in Wales apart from Bridgend. At least 2 courses are run per year with each centre often with more running especially in Cardiff, Newport and Wrexham. Moving Forward Online is ran weekly across the UK for those who can’t or don’t want to attend a F2F course. Living with Secondary Breast Cancer services currently only runs in Wrexham.
one to one services
Someone like me
phone/helpline line
0808 8006000
online information & Support
online forum
support group
See Moving Forward/LWSBC
financial advice
NA
other (please state)
We put resource into policy and public affairs and fundraising.
Link to website
Cancer Research UK
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face to face group services
No
one to one services
No
phone/helpline line
Ask our specialist nurses a question: 0808 800 4040. Freephone Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.
online information & Support
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org for information. Our specialist nurses are available through our contact form https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us/talk-to-our-nurses .
publications
counselling
N/A
support group
N/A
financial advice
N/A
other (please state)
We fund research in Cardiff uni experimental medicine centre, we also fund a researcher as part of cancer grand challenges programme, we fund a CRUK nurse. We put financial resources into teams working on Public Affairs, fundraising, charity shops and legacies. In total our spend per annum in Wales is around £4m
Link to website
Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group
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online information & Support
Parent & carers Facebook group including ‘Ask the expert’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/cclgparentcarergroup
publications
Link to website
Clic Sargent
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online forum
Online Live Chat 10am-4pm Monday to Friday
Cymorth Canser Macmillan
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face to face group services
Mae Cymorth Canser Macmillan yn cynnig cyngor a gwybodaeth i bobl y mae canser yn effeithio arnynt a’u hanwyliaid ledled Cymru. I weld beth sydd ar gael yn eich ardal chi, ewch i: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html
one to one services
Mae Cyngor ar Fudd-daliadau Llesiant a Gwybodaeth ar Ganser ar gael ledled Cymru a gellir dod o hyd iddynt yma:https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html
phone/helpline line
Mae Llinell Gefnogaeth Macmillan yn gallu helpu gyda gwybodaeth glinigol, ymarferol ac ariannol. Ffoniwch ni ar 0808 808 00 00 (7 diwrnod yr wythnos, 8am-8pm).
online information & Support
online forum
counselling
Dd/Bsupport group
Gellir dod o hyd i grwpiau cefnogaeth yn eich ardal chi yma: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.htmlfinancial advice
Oes
other (please state)
Mae Bronwen, ein Gwasanaeth Gwybodaeth Symudol, yn teithio i gymunedau ledled Cymru i ddarparu cyngor. Os ydych chi eisiau galw heibio, gallwch ddarganfod pryd fydd y gwasanaeth yn galw heibio eich ardal chi yma: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/coping/getting-support/local-information-centres/mobile-information-bus.html
Link to website
Fight Bladder Cancer
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face to face group services
Fight Bladder Cancer has a specific project to increase the number of support groups across the country, aiming for every bladder cancer patient or carer to join one in their area. You can find a list of support group events here
one to one services
Fight Bladder Cancer offers one-on-one support services in Wales. These are primarily conducted through our dedicated helpline and email support system, where individuals can receive personalised guidance and support.
phone/helpline line
Confidential support and information – call us on 01844 351621
online information & Support
online forum
publications
counselling
While Fight Bladder Cancer doesn’t directly provide counselling services, we do guide patients on how to access these resources through the NHS and other charities.
financial advice
Currently, Fight Bladder Cancer does not offer direct financial support to patients in Wales.
Link to website
Kidney Cancer UK
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phone/helpline line
Support Line: 0800 002 9002
online information & Support
counselling
financial advice
https://www.kcuk.org.uk/patient-support/financial-information/
other (please state)
Link to website
LATCH
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face to face group services
Family and sibling events
one to one services
Delivered through our social work service
phone/helpline line
02921 848859
9am – 5pm weekdays
online information & Support
Through our website
support group
Through our social work service
other (please state)
[email protected] 02921 848859
9am – 5pm weekdays
Link to website
Macmillan Cancer Support
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face to face group services
Macmillan Cancer Support offers advice and information to people affected by cancer and their loved ones across Wales. To find out what’s available in your area, go to: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html
one to one services
Welfare Benefits Advice and Cancer Information is available across Wales and can be found here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html
phone/helpline line
The Macmillan Support Line can help with clinical, practical and financial information. Please call us on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm).
online information & Support
online forum
publications
Quarterly newsletters
counselling
We provide 1:1 counselling support
support group
Support groups can be found in your area here: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html
financial advice
No, but we signpost elsewhere
Link to website
Maggie’s
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face to face group services
Yes, varies by centres. Find a centre via https://www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/, choose centre and look for the ‘What’s on’ tab
one to one services
Yes, drop in cancer support; benefits advice; psychologist
phone/helpline line
Each centre has an individual phone number – visit https://www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/
online information & Support
online forum
counselling
Yes
support group
Yes, a range of peer to peer support groups are set up for all members of the family
financial advice
Yes
other (please state)
Exercise groups, cancer specific support groups, friends and family groups, nutrition advice, ‘Where Now?’, bereavement support, mindfulness, relaxation, gardening, managing stress, Will writing, headscarf-wrapping workshops, Look Good Feel Better, Kids Days (all varies by centre)
Link to website
Mummy’s Star
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face to face group services
No face to face support at present
one to one services
Yes
phone/helpline line
After initial email/DM contact
online information & Support
online forum
Closed forum accesible after initial contact
counselling
No
support group
financial advice
Yes and non means tested grants available
Link to website
Myeloma UK
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face to face group services
We facilitate annual info days in Wales and there are four Myeloma UK Support groups operating in Swansea, Gwent and Powys and two covering South Wales.
one to one services
N/A
phone/helpline line
Myeloma Info Line – 0800 980 3332 – is available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (closed weekends and most public holidays).
online information & Support
online forum
publications
counselling
N/A
other (please state)
Ask the Nurse service to have questions answered by a Myeloma Information Specialist https://www.myeloma.org.uk/help-and-support/ask-the-nurse/
Link to website
Ovarian Cancer Action
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face to face group services
Ovarian Cancer Action support group meets in the Cardiff Maggie’s Centre on the last Monday of every month 1:30-3pm
one to one services
No
phone/helpline line
No
online information & Support
online forum
No
publications
counselling
No
support group
email [email protected]
financial advice
No
Link to website
Pancreatic Cancer UK
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face to face group services
Living with pancreatic cancer support days (regional) – these have become webinars since the pandemic, open to people across the UK, and cover a range of topics e.g. palliative care, managing nutrition and pancreatic enzymes, managing chemotherapy, coping with symptoms.
one to one services
Support line 0808 801 0707 [email protected]
phone/helpline line
Support line 0808 801 0707 [email protected]
online information & Support
online forum
publications
https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/publications
support group
https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information-and-support/support-for-you/support-groups/
Link to website
Prostate Cancer UK
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face to face group services
one to one services
phone/helpline line
Nurse helpline open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm on Wednesday
0800 074 8383
https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-support/our-specialist-nurses
online information & Support
online forum
other (please state)
https://prostatecanceruk.org/get-support (fatigue, active surveillance, diet & exercise, LGBT+)
Link to website
Target Ovarian Cancer
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face to face group services
We run support events for women with ovarian cancer across the UK and details of all upcoming events are available on our website: https://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/information-and-support/support-you/support-events
phone/helpline line
Nurse-led Support Line open from 9am until 5.30pm, Monday to Friday: 020 7923 5475
online information & Support
People can contact our nurses for advice by email through our website: https://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/information-and-support/support-you/ovarian-cancer-support-line/contact-our-support-line
online forum
In Touch
publications
Our information guides include specific guides for women newly diagnosed, women who have experienced a recurrence and women who are living with incurable ovarian cancer. We also have guides focused on younger women and genetic testing and our mini guides series covers finances, complementary therapies, diet and nutrition, sex and intimacy and stomas. All available at: https://www.targetovariancancer.org.uk/guides
Link to website
Teenage Cancer Trust
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face to face group services
Teenage Cancer Trust run two residential weekends a year called ‘Find Your Sense of Tumour’ – one for 13 – 17 year olds, and one for 18 – 25 year olds. This weekend away offers lots of different workshops, while also having the chance to meet other people of a similar age who have, or have had, cancer. You don’t have to be treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit to come, you can apply through our website.
one to one services
We have Teenage Cancer Trust units, one of which is in Cardiff hopsital. On this unit, our Youth Support Coordinator organises lots of activities for young people, aged 13 – 24, with cancer. It is a chance to talk about your experience, or meet others who are in a similar position to you.
online information & Support
Link to website
Tenovus Cancer Care
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face to face group services
Sing with Us choirs – We have choirs all across Wales who meet weekly for rehearsals (https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support/sing-with-us)
one to one services
Counselling, support line, benefits advice, tele-friends.
More information on tele-friends: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/about-us/volunteer-with-us/tele-friend-service
phone/helpline line
Free nurse-led support line open 365 days a year: 0808 808 1010
We also offer a Callback service.
Available in English and Welsh. (https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support/nurse-led-support-line)
online information & Support
We have an online “Ask the nurse” service: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support/nurse-led-support-line/ask-the-nurse
We have online information re our services on our website: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support
There is also information about cancer on our website here: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/information-about-cancer
online forum
We launched our All-Wales Cancer Community in 2022: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/campaigning-and-influencing/all-wales-cancer-community/about-the-all-wales-cancer-community
publications
counselling
We accept referrals by identified health care professionals and provide counselling support for anyone living in Wales, aged over 18, experiencing difficulties with a cancer diagnosis:
https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support/counselling
Available is English and Welsh.
We will soon be offering a virtual group service.
support group
Sing with Us Choirs: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support/sing-with-us
financial advice
We have a team of Benefits Advisors:
https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support/money-matters-and-practical-support/grants-and-benefits
Call our free Support Line on 0808 808 1010, or use our online “Ask the Advisor” form: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/get-support/money-matters-and-practical-support/ask-the-advisor
other (please state)
We have Mobile Support Units, which provide mobile cancer support in the community: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/support-and-information/treatment-on-our-mobile-support-units
Lots of policy and influencing work going on, see our pages here: https://www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/campaigning-and-influencing/policy-and-influencing
Link to website
The Brain Tumour Charity
Preview Information View FullThe Brain Tumour Charity
one to one services
Support line, counselling service, benefits and money clinic
phone/helpline line
Support line 0808 800 0004
online information & Support
https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/ and BRIAN (https://askbrian.org.uk/) and podcasts (https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/brain-tumour-diagnosis-treatment/resources/lets-talk-about-brain-tumours-podcast/)
online forum
online facebook support groups and healthunlocked https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/online-brain-tumour-support-groups/
publications
counselling
Free counselling and relationship counselling https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/free-counselling-service/
support group
Online support groups: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/online-brain-tumour-support-groups/
financial advice
Benefits and Money Clinic: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/benefits-clinic/
other (please state)
Children and Families service: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/children-and-families-service/
Young Adults service: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/young-adult-service/
Improving brain tumour care: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/improving-brain-tumour-care-surveys/
Link to website
The Joshua Tree
Preview Information View FullThe Joshua Tree
face to face group services
The Joshua Tree provides a range of emotional, health and wellbeing support for families affected by childhood cancers across North and Mid Wales. Support is provided daily for parents, carers, grandparents, siblings, child on treatment, friends
one to one services
We provide counselling and 1:1 theraputic support.
phone/helpline line
Not currently
online information & Support
https://www.thejoshuatree.org.uk We provide teams/zoom calls and 1:1 support online
online forum
We have family group forums
publications
no
counselling
Yes, we provide a wide range of counselling support
support group
Yes, a range of peer to peer support groups are set up for all members of the family
financial advice
Not currently
Link to website
Young Lives vs Cancer
Preview Information View FullYoung Lives vs Cancer
one to one services
We provide social work services across Wales, working closely with other organisations and clinical professionals, providing support to young cancer patients and their families with issues including mental and physical health, financial advice, and education and employment.
publications
Our research reports are available at https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/join-our-fight/get-campaigning/our-research/
financial advice
We provide direct financial support via emergency grants, as well as advice with benefits, employment and further financial support via our social care team.