This blog includes information about the support you can access over the festive season. This time of year, there are many celebrations taking place, and it’s often a chance to spend quality time with our loved ones. If you need a break from the festivities or are struggling with your emotions, we are here to help. With many support services closing for the holidays, we want to make sure you know how to access cancer support when you need it.
The Macmillan Support Line will operate standard opening hours during the festive period of 8am to 8pm, except on UK Bank Holidays (25 & 26 December 2025, and 1st January 2026) when some services will be unavailable. The list below has the opening times for each Support Line team.
To get in touch please call 0808 808 00 00, send an email or use live webchat, every day from 8am to 8pm. There’s more information on the Macmillan website about Accessible support options such as Text relay, BSL support, and getting in touch from overseas.
Health professionals are still here to support you. You can make an emergency appointment with your GP if you need help. If it’s outside your GP hours or you can’t make contact with them, you can contact the following services 24 hours a day, every day.
We know that there can be times that you might need information and support when the Macmillan Support Line is closed.
If you would like to talk to someone right now, there are services available who can help.
During this time of year, there are lots of pressures and expectations to be ‘festive’ and full of joy. This can cause many people to feel like they cannot be honest about how they feel, especially if you are struggling with your emotions or side effects of cancer treatment.
The Online Community is a safe and supportive space for you to get support. Whether you’re going through cancer treatment, coping with a cancer diagnosis, side effects or recovery, supporting a loved one or coping with bereavement, we’re here for you.
If you need some company, want to talk about how you are coping or need a place to get support, log in and post in the Community groups. The Community is here for you 24/7 and is a safe space for you to talk about your personal cancer experiences.
The Online Community team wishes you all the best for the new year and hopes that you find some rest and peace this festive season. We hope the Online Community can be a comforting source of support over the next few weeks, and if you need any help using the site, please do get in touch.
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