What is peer to peer support?

Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other. There are different types of peer support, but they all aim to:

• bring together people with shared experiences to support each other
• provide a space where you feel accepted and understood
• treat everyone’s experiences as being equally important
• involve both giving and receiving support.

Everyone’s views and experiences are equally valued, rather than anyone being seen as more of an expert than others. How much support you give and receive can vary depending on what feels right for you at different times.

Types of peer to peer support

Many groups, organisations and individuals offer different types of peer support. These differences may include:

• what you have in common. Peer support brings together people with shared experiences, and these experiences can vary.
• what you do together. You might focus on talking and discussion, which could be about particular topics or difficulties, anything you feel like or a mixture, depending on how the support is run.
• how you access the support. Peer support might involve meeting in person or it might be something you access online – for example social media networks or communities dedicated to online support. You might also use other ways of getting in touch, such as emails, phone calls or text messages.
• how many people take part. You might meet in a group, which might sometimes be called a self-help or support group. Or you might take part in one-to-one peer support, which is sometimes called mentoring or befriending. This is where you work towards goals you’ve agreed together with someone else.

Could peer to peer support help me?

Lots of people find peer support improves their wellbeing and helps them cope. For example, it could:

• help you to open up about what you are feeling and experiencing
• introduce you to ideas and approaches that others have found helpful
• reassure you that you’re not alone in how you are feeling
• help you to connect with others and give you a sense of belonging
• encourage you to value your strengths
• build your self-esteem and confidence
• help you to feel more hopeful about the future.

Peer to Peer Support Groups

Heads2GetherExpand

Heads2gether hold online Zoom-based meetings every month on the third Wednesday at 1830.  They also hold monthly meetings at Maggie’s next to the Churchill Hospital Oxford, Maggie’s next to the University Hospital Southampton and the Community Room at Tesco Extra in Swindon.  Look out for more face-to-face meetings at new venues in 2023.

To sign up for the meetings https://www.heads2gether.net/virtual-meeting-registration/

Heads2gether Helpline: 0800 0234 550Mouth Cancer FoundationExpand

Weekly patient and carer online support group meeting via Zoom – 1900 Mondays.

Mouth Cancer Foundation Closed Facebook group 

Patient Carer Advice Line – 01924 950950

For further information email info@mouthcancerfoundation.orgOUTpatientsExpand

OUTpatients (formerly ‘Live Through This’) exists to support and advocate for our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer communities when they are affected by cancer.Salivary Gland Cancer UKExpand

Regular hybrid gatherings are held in Manchester and London.  We provide opportunities to meet other patients and carers, learn about that latest research and work with us to move things forward.  Join our network to get involved:  Join Our Network – Salivary Gland Cancer UK.  Email hello@salivaryglandcancer.uk or DM via twitter/FB/Insta @SGCancerUKShine Cancer SupportExpand

Shine is the only UK charity that support adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who have experienced a cancer diagnosis.

There is never a good time to have cancer, but we know that younger adults face different issues than their older or younger counterparts. Many of these are not dealt with by traditional cancer support charities and services.The National Association of Laryngectomee ClubsExpand

For further information email info@laryngectomy.org.uk or telephone 0207 730 8585.The SwallowsExpand

Monthly online meeting with guest speakers.  1900 every second Wednesday of the month.

Face to Face meetings in Blackpool, Lincolnshire, Milton Keynes, Torbay and Worcester 1830 to 2000 every second Wednesday of the month.

For further information email info@theswallows.org.ukYoung TonguesExpand

The Young Tongues is a peer to peer support group made up of young people who have been diagnosed with Tongue Cancer or a cancer diagnosis that involves similar treatment.

My Silver Linings

What happens when you receive a diagnosis you’re not expecting? This diagnosis is going to change how you look and sound and there has been no public awareness about it.

Karen and her husband, Ian realise how important silver linings are throughout an arduous medical journey and when life is expected to carry on afterwards.

Included are testimonials from friends showing a variety of H&NC in the hope of helping others going through this pathway.

There are also chapters from professionals Karen has had the pleasure of working with and a Guide to H&NC for patients and family members.

Cancer Care Map is a simple, online resource that aims to help you find cancer support services in your local area wherever you are in the UK.

We are continuously reviewing and updating our Help and Support section, if you received support from a group that you would like added to this page contact info@oraclecancertrust.org

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Call 020 3875 8991

Email info@oraclehnc.org.uk

Oracle Cancer Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142037), and in Scotland (SC052790).

Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (7125497). Registered address: 80 Coombe Road, New Malden KT3 4QS.