Family, Friends and Carers’ Cuppa
Online support session
We know that supporting a loved one with pancreatic cancer can be an isolating experience. You may feel pressure to put on a brave face for your loved one, or struggle to know what to say to people when they ask how you’re doing. It’s important that you get the support you need, and that’s why we run our online Family, Friends and Carers’ Cuppas.
- Each session is an hour and a half long and held on Zoom
- Meet and get support from others in a similar situation
- Family, Friends and Carers’ Cuppas are hosted by volunteers, rather than our nurses, who have all have had an experience of looking after a loved one with pancreatic cancer.
If you have pancreatic cancer, we have a dedicated Cuppa for you, offering a space to chat with other people who have had a diagnosis. Find out more about the Cuppa.
Who is this session for?
This session is for anybody who has a loved one with pancreatic cancer.
To enable everybody to share freely, this session isn’t suitable for people who are living with pancreatic cancer themselves. If you’ve had a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, please join a Cuppa instead.
What can I expect from the session?
The Family, Friends and Carers’ Cuppa is very informal and there is no set agenda. It’s a chance to share whatever’s on your mind, and chat with other people who are supporting a loved one with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Unlike some of our other online support sessions, the Family, Friends and Carers’ Cuppa is not hosted by a nurse. The volunteers who host the Family, Friends and Carers’ Cuppa can share their personal experiences, but they’re not able to give medical advice. If you have medical questions, you can speak to a specialist nurse on our Support Line by calling 0808 801 0707 or sending an email.
Upcoming dates
Family, Friends & Carers' Cuppa
Thursday 21st December, 11am – 12.30pm
Hosted by our volunteers, Lesley and Cath. Lisa, one of our specialist nurses will also be joining.
Family, Friends & Carers' Cuppa
Thursday 18th January, 11am – 12.30pm
Hosted by our volunteers, Lesley and Cath. Jeni, one of our specialist nurses will also be joining.
People who joined us have said:
“I’ve often felt very alone since my husband has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, particularly during the global pandemic, as family and friends could not rally round. I feel guilty to be struggling emotionally, (but) I found talking to other carers really helpful and comforting. Also, I was given some useful resources to follow up.” – Nicola from London
It was a really positive experience to join the session and sensitively run. I'd definitely recommend joining these sessions, although it may seem daunting talking about your experience, it was a very warm and supportive session and a great source of support.
“It was nice to listen to others and their views and thoughts and emotions and how they feel.” – Kika from Hertfordshire
“Useful for anyone affected by a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Be it a friend, colleague or family member. Increasing your knowledge and understanding helps you to help your loved one. There is huge pressure to be positive all the time, but it’s good to be able to admit to struggling and share issues with others who are understanding. It’s good to see some familiar faces, regular attendees and the same professionals. It’s a friendly place to share thoughts and experiences or just listen to how others are finding it. Don’t overthink it, just log in, listen, join in as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.” – Rachel from Northallerton
“You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It shows you are not alone and maybe someone will say something which you recognise from your own situation which helps you understand or feels helpful in supporting your loved one or yourself.” – Rich from Staffordshire
Just hearing other people with something in common is oddly comforting. It's a time to address your own feelings at a time when you are so used to putting someone else first.