Hi all - I'm new on this forum.
I've joined as I'm approx 2 years into a caring journey for a family member with cancer - and at the point where I feel I need to speak to someone about all the various things I am feeling and experiencing.
I'm aware Macmillan has a support phone line - and all these wonderful supportive forums but I think I would like to have a series of conversations - much like with a counsellor - but preferably someone with experience or knowledge of long term illnesses.
Does anyone know of such a service or where I could identify a relevant service provider?
Hi Vic,
I have no idea where you live but where I am, which is near Exeter, we have a cancer care charity called FORCE. I think it's only specific to Exeter but not sure.
It's a bit like I think MacMillan would be, but I haven't tried speaking in person to MacMillan volunteers so I don't know what they offer in-person. I've been to FORCE and it's a lovely place...it's housed in a building in the hospital grounds, has its own little garden, it is run by volunteers who offer coffee and biscuits, and there's a library there. You can go in and sit and chat - it's for anyone who has been touched in any way by cancer of any type. I haven't needed a counsellor personally but I am certain I could ask them and they would point me to where I could get counselling. They point you to places where you can get free or highly subsidised activities for cancer sufferers (perhaps also for their carers - I'm not sure) such as swimming, craft groups, yoga, and a variety of other activities.
The volunteers, as far as I can tell, are not medically trained. However, they seem to have all the info available to point you to where is needed.
Try googling "cancer charities in my area" and you may come up with something similar.
(I've just googled FORCE and this is the link for you to see what I mean, but it doesn't appear to be a nationwide charity....Supporting people affected by cancer since 1987 - FORCE Cancer Charity )
I've heard of something called "Maggie's" which sounds very similar to me, but I looked that up and there are only a few branches and the nearest one to me is Southampton!! - which is about two to three hours' drive away depending on traffic.
Another possibility is that by googling "cancer charities in my area" you might just come up with details of a local support group - not a charity but just a group of people gathering regularly to socialise and support each other - which could be what you are looking for. Or you may find a one-to-one through such a group, from the experiences of those attending the group.
Good luck...I hope you can find what you need and yes, it is a very hard time you are going through if alone in this respect. 
Hi Vic2025 and a warm welcome to the Macmillan Community
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) and when it comes to the practical and emotional challenges of supporting your family member and indeed yourself you may benefit from joining and posting in our……
……. support group where you will connect with a wide range of members navigating the exact same support challenges…… you can ask where they got support from.
To connect with a group click on the “Bold Italic Link” I have created above …… then once the group page opens click in the [Black - Click to Join - Banner] that appears at the bottom of the page and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
When you are ready……. you can introduce yourself by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides practical information…… like where to get one n one support in your area, emotional support or just a listening ear.
Do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
