Peer support groups and classes

Many people find comfort in talking with others who have been through similar experiences. This page highlights peer support groups, courses and classes where people affected by cancer, life-shortening illness or bereavement can connect, learn new coping skills or take part in wellbeing activities. We offer some Peer Support Groups at CancerCare, these can be face-to-face or online or take a look at our partner peer-support groups.

Support Directory

How we can help

Volunteer led support groups

Don't Go It Alone - Bereavement support group in Kendal (Tuesdays 2pm - 4pm)

Together Through Cancer - Cancer support group in Kendal (1st and 3rd Tuesday 10am - 12pm)

Hug in a Mug - Pop up café, cancer and bereavement support group in Lancaster (Tuesday 2pm - 4pm)

How other organisations can help

Bluebirds Cancer Prehab

Bluebirds Cancer Prehab is a weekly program for cancer patients in Barrow-in-Furness, held at Barrow AFC. It offers exercise, nutrition, and emotional support to help individuals prepare for and recover from cancer treatment.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston

Cancer Support UK

Cancer Support UK provides practical and emotional support to people living with cancer, both during and after the treatment period. They support people with all kinds of cancer across the UK.

Location: National

Furness Prostate Cancer Support Group

Aim to provide emotional and practical support to men with prostate cancer and their families, and to raise awareness about the disease, including campaigning for the PSA blood test for early detection. They offer a non-medical environment for individuals and their partners to share experiences, gain reassurance, and connect with others who are going through or have been through a similar journey.

Location: Barrow-In-Furness

Lookin Good and Feelin Great

Give monthly donations of flowers and money to help with the day to day living costs of going through cancer treatment as well as provide an online support group and regular meet-ups including dog walks, craft groups, coffee mornings and evening meals out.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston

Macmillan Community

Macmillan's online community understands what it's like to have cancer. They are an online cancer forum with over 80,000 members; and they have all been there. Support is available 24 hours a day, in a safe environment.

Location: National

Out in the bay

Offering support and empowerment the LGBTQIA+ community and the wider community within the Lancaster district by promoting equality and diversity for the public benefit.

Location: Lancaster and Morecambe

St John's Hospice

St John’s Hospice is a local charity which provides free palliative care to patients with life shortening conditions.

Location: North Lancashire and South Cumbria

St Mary's Hospice Community Hub

Offering support to individuals living with long-term and life-limiting conditions, their families, carers, and those who are bereaved, by providing a welcoming space focused on maintaining independence, enhancing well-being, and connecting the community.

Location: Barrow-in-Furness and Ulverston