Support groups for people with lived experience of cancer

Grief can sometimes feel very isolating. Even when there are people around you who care about you, it can be difficult to explain an experience that feels deeply personal, or to feel that others truly understand what you are going through. Connecting with people who have experienced a similar type of loss can provide a sense of belonging and remind you that you do not have to navigate everything on your own.

Support groups create a space where people can share experiences, thoughts and emotions with others who may have faced similar situations. For some people, simply listening to others can be helpful; for others, speaking about their own experience can provide a sense of relief or validation. You may also learn different ways of coping, discover new sources of support or feel more comfortable talking about topics that can be difficult to discuss with family and friends.

There is no single way to participate in a support group. You can decide how much you want to share and whether you prefer to listen before speaking. Some groups meet in person, while others take place online, and they may be organised around different experiences, such as bereavement, the loss of a parent, partner, sibling or friend, or grief related to illness and cancer. Finding a group that feels appropriate to your experience can make a difference.

Joining a support group does not mean that you have to talk about everything you are feeling, nor does it mean that you need to identify strongly with other people’s experiences. Everyone’s relationship with grief is different. You can take part in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you, and you are always allowed to step back if a group no longer feels helpful.

The groups suggested in this section are intended to help you explore opportunities for connection and peer support. If you are considering joining a group, take some time to find out what it involves, who it is intended for and whether its format feels right for you. Reaching out for support is not a sign that you are not coping — sometimes, having other people alongside you can make the experience of grief feel a little less lonely.