When you first join the Community, supporting others might be the last thing on your mind.
You might have just received a cancer diagnosis, feeling alone and fearful of what lies ahead. You might be reeling with news of a loved one’s diagnosis and not sure how you’ll cope. You might be struggling with cancer treatment and just want someone to talk to in the middle of the night.
Although finding support might be your initial need, you might be surprised to find that by simply posting here, your words will help to support others. We hope it brings you comfort to know that by sharing your personal experience here on the Community, you become part of a powerful social network of peer support.
"I came on your thread to comfort you and you've given me comfort right back! Thank you" Community member, breast cancer forum
The power of finding support from the Community
“I feel lonely all the time… I hope I’ll find a bit of support here I just want to share my emotions and just to talk. My friend advised me Macmillan Community and after a few days here I found similar people with similar problems and stories so I feel now not so alone” Community member, living with cancer outside the UK forum
We hear lots of members talking about unmet needs after speaking to family and friends. By speaking to members of the Online Community going through similar experiences, it can be a boost for your general wellbeing, mental health and in turn improve your quality of life.
"I think talking to someone who is in a very similar situation can be more comforting than someone you know can't really understand what you're going through" Community member, supporting someone with incurable cancer forum
Lots of members say they expected much better one-to-one emotional support from friends and family. Some expected in-person or face to face support to be the most helpful. Although the connections you form in the Community are anonymous and virtual, we hear regularly that support needs have often been well met.
"You will always be welcome here and you can say anything you want without ever being judged! This site is a safe place away from your family and close friends, a place where you are allowed to be honest about how YOU feel, without worrying about upsetting anyone else! We all have different experiences but we all support each other, regardless of whose case was ‘worse’ or ‘better" Community member, breast cancer forum
Many members find a certain empowerment in finding the right support network for them in the Community.
"I’ve found a lot of comfort in being able to come on here and put down my worries and hopes and ask for advice when I would not have been able to talk to family or friends without dissolving into tears" Community member, carers only forum
"Firstly, hang in there, you are not alone and this chat forum is full of so much optimism, hope, support and success stories...I am reasonably new here too, I have found it to be a comfort even knowing we are all in this unwanted journey together . You got this." Community member, breast cancer forum
We hope it brings you comfort to know that whilst finding support, you could also be making a big difference for another member in their time of need.
The power of supporting others
"When I come here and see how STRONG you ladies are being thru this most terrible ordeal. I feel not so alone, many hear have very positive attitudes....So I am going to stick around and hope some of that positivity wears onto me!" Community member, breast cancer forum
Many members return to the Community after their initial support need has passed. Some members choose to share their experience in greater depth, with the aim of supporting others.
"This group was my life line and I am here for you whenever you need help or advice." Community member, skin cancer forum
"Hello all. I have benefited from some of the great advice and comments made by others on this journey. As such, I felt I should share this for anyone who may be facing a prostate biopsy." Community member, prostate cancer forum
"Thank you so much for your reply you've given me the tools to start me on my road to acceptance of my aunties death & ways to help me over come my sadness. ..Thank you to each & everyone in this community. I hope I can read group discussions & maybe share similar experiences & help comfort people" Community member, bereaved family and friends forum
"Reading of others situations is actually quite inspiring as I know I am not alone and I hope soon I can reply to others and help them. Macmillan have been amazing over the past couple of years and without your support I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now." Community member, bereaved family and friends forum
This Community News Blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning our amazing volunteer Community Champions. The Community Champions are usually members who felt they have benefitted so much from the support offered from the Community that they wanted to give something back. If you’d like to find out more about our Community Champions, or are interested in volunteering, you can find out more by reading our Community News Blog called 'Thank you to all the Community Champions, your kindness and dedication is absolutely amazing'
We completely understand that not everybody will be in the position to offer support through the Online Community. We hope it brings you comfort to know that by sharing your own experience and by highlighting issues that others might also be experiencing, you’ll be helping others.
Do you feel you’ve benefitted from the support shared on the Community? What have you found particularly helpful when receiving support or offering support to others? Let us know by commenting below.
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