Hi i’m asking for some advice please, my partner has just found out his father has cancer he has been putting on a brave face to please others :( fact is it’s hit him really hard… as his girlfriend i’m trying my best to be there for him and support him but he’s not coping. He never asks for help i’m just wondering if there’s anyone i could contact to maybe help him
Hi Beatey.
I’m so sorry to hear about your partner’s father’s diagnosis and how it is affecting your partner. We know that a diagnosis in the family can affect all those around that person and it can be difficult to cope.
You may want to guide your partner to have a look at our booklet Cancer and relationships which is about coping with your feelings when someone close to you has cancer. Aside from suggesting ways to cope, it has information about other organisations that can help and support.
Your partner, you and any of the family, would be welcome to contact the Macmillan support line on 0808 808 0000. It is open every day from 8am until 8pm. There is also the option to contact during those time via live online chat. We can provide emotional support and listen. We also have nurses for medical queries and teams that help with any impact on work and finances. As you are supporting your partner, it can be good to get a bit of support and advice yourself, Beatey, so please do keep in touch.
Your partner may also find it helpful to look at, and perhaps join in with, the Family and friends forum - Macmillan Online Community where you can share feelings and get support from others who are dealing with a similar situation.
In terms of face to face support, you can check what support centres and groups are available locally by inputting a postcode into the Macmillan In Your Area Search.
I hope these options will help you to find the support that’s right for your partner, Beatey.
Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.
