Category Archives: Cancer events

Coffee & Connection: A Space Just for Cancer Caregivers

Caring for someone affected by cancer can be deeply meaningful—and incredibly demanding. Between appointments, medications, emotional support, and everyday life, caregivers often put their own needs last. Yet caregivers need care too.

That’s why Coffee & Connection exists: a welcoming, gentle space where caregivers can pause, breathe, and connect with others who truly understand.

You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone

As a cancer caregiver, you may find yourself holding many emotions at once, these being love, worry, exhaustion, hope, frustration, and resilience. While friends and family may care deeply, it can be hard to explain the realities of caregiving to someone who hasn’t lived it.

Coffee & Connection brings together people who get it.

This is a place to:

  • Share how cancer has impacted your life as a caregiver
  • Listen to others’ stories without judgment or pressure
  • Feel seen, heard, and supported
  • Simply enjoy a cup of coffee in good company

There’s no expectation to talk if you don’t want to. Sometimes, just being in the room with others who understand is enough.

A Warm, Caring Environment

Set in a relaxed café-style space, Coffee & Connection is designed to feel calm and human and not clinical. Where Conversations unfold naturally over tea and coffee, surrounded by warmth, greenery, and kindness.

Whether you are caring for a partner, parent, child, sibling, or friend at any stage of the cancer journey, you are welcome to attend.

When and Where

Every first and last Tuesday of the month
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Clapham Park, Cube
116 Kings Avenue
London, SW4 8EP

Want to Know More?

If you’d like more information or want to check in before attending, you can reach out to:

A Small Step That Can Make a Difference

Caregiving can feel isolating, but connection has the power to lighten the load. Coffee & Connection offers a gentle reminder that you are not alone, and that your experiences matter too.

If you’re a cancer caregiver looking for understanding, support, or simply a moment of calm, consider joining us. The coffee will be warm, and so will the welcome.

Make a Difference: Become a Cancer Outpatient Support Volunteer at St George’s Hospital

Added by Matthew McKenzie (Facilitator of National Cancer Carer Forum)

St George’s Hospital is looking for compassionate and friendly volunteers to support patients in the Ruth Myles Day Unit and Trevor Howell Day Unit.

SONY DSC

The cancer day units are always busy, and a warm smile or a listening ear can make a world of difference for patients and their families. As a Cancer Outpatient Support Volunteer, you’ll play an important role in creating a welcoming, supportive environment during what can be a difficult time.

What will you do as a volunteer?

  • Welcome and reassure patients and their families when they arrive.
  • Offer refreshments and help with lunches.
  • Accompany patients to other departments if needed.
  • Keep waiting areas tidy and well stocked with patient information leaflets.
  • Share information about local support services and the Macmillan Information and Support Centre.
  • Provide comfort, conversation, and a listening ear to those waiting for or undergoing treatment.

What St Georges are looking for

  • Volunteers aged 18+ with a positive, helpful attitude.
  • Good listening and communication skills, with sensitivity towards patients.
  • An interest in supporting people affected by cancer.
  • A regular commitment of three hours once a week (morning or afternoon), for at least six months.

Full training and ongoing support are provided, and you’ll be part of a caring team that values your contribution.

Why volunteer with St Georges Cancer Units?

  • Make a real difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.
  • Meet new people and be part of a supportive team.
  • Learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a healthcare setting.

Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre (for cancer-related volunteer roles)

If you’d like to give your time, compassion, and energy to support people during their cancer journey, consider becoming a Cancer Outpatient Support Volunteer.

Support & Wellbeing Workshops for People Affected by Cancer – 2025

Added by Matthew McKenzie (Facilitator of National Cancer Carer Forum)

If you’re living with cancer, supporting someone who is, or adjusting after treatment, it can be incredibly valuable to connect with others who understand. This year, Barts Health NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support are hosting free workshops to support your wellbeing and help you manage fears about cancer recurrence.

Cancer and Your Wellbeing Workshop – Newham University Hospital

📅 Dates:

  • Tuesday 22 July 2025 – 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
  • Tuesday 23 September 2025 – 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
  • Tuesday 2 December 2025 – 10:30 am to 1:30 pm

📍 Location: Zone 2, Ground Floor, Education Centre, Newham University Hospital, E13 8SL

ℹ Who can attend?
Open to anyone with a cancer diagnosis or experience living with cancer. Refreshments and light snacks are provided.

📞 Contact: 020 7363 8758
📧 Email: bartshealth.macmillannuh@nhs.net

Fears of Cancer Recurrence (FoCR) Workshops – Barts Health Cancer Psychological Services

These interactive sessions help you understand and manage worries about cancer coming back or spreading, and connect you with others facing similar concerns.

📅 Dates & Venues:

  • Tuesday 9 September 2025 – 9:30 am to 12 pm
    Boardroom, Junction 6, Whipps Cross Hospital, E11 1NR
    Book here
  • Wednesday 5 November 2025 – 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
    Seminar Room 2, Education Centre, Newham Hospital, E13 8SL
    Book here

Open to: Patients, relatives, and friends

📞 Call/Text: 020 3765 8807
📧 Email: cancerpsychologicals.bartshealth@nhs.net

These sessions are a great way to gain practical strategies, share experiences, and connect with others who understand the emotional side of living with and beyond cancer.

💡 Tip: If you can’t attend but want to know about future events, contact the teams above to join their mailing lists.