In this short personal blog, Macmillan Village Agent Nicky reflects on the friendships, conversations and connections that have grown through our cancer support groups in Fenland.

 

When people first arrive at one of our cancer support groups, they don’t always know quite what to expect. But over a cup of tea or coffee, conversations begin, experiences are shared and, over time, we’ve seen new friendships form.

Kathy and I have been running two cancer support groups as part of the Fenland Cancer Champions Project, and I still remember my very first group.

It was just a couple of weeks after I started my new role in May 2025. A couple of people came along to March Library and, after being introduced to one another, it was wonderful to see them chatting and sharing their stories.

That was exactly what we wanted to achieve.

A welcoming, informal space where anyone affected by cancer can come along, meet others who understand something of what they are going through and perhaps feel a little less isolated.

There is no agenda, no pressure and certainly no expectation to talk about cancer if people don’t want to. Sometimes people want to share their experiences or ask a question. Sometimes they simply want a cuppa and a chat with people who understand.

Partners, carers, family members and friends are welcome too, and some already come along.

Kathy and I are there to help conversations along, share information and help people find other sources of support where we can. If we don’t know the answer to something, we’ll do our best to find out.

As the project developed, we established a second support group at the King Edward Centre in Chatteris.

Over the months, we’ve watched both groups grow. But perhaps the most rewarding part has been seeing the friendships that have developed beyond the meetings themselves.

People have been incredibly open with one another, sharing their experiences, offering encouragement and supporting others who may be facing similar challenges.

There is something quite special about watching a group of people who may have arrived feeling anxious, uncertain or alone gradually become comfortable in each other’s company.

For us, these groups are about much more than providing information or signposting to services. They are about connection, understanding, laughter and friendship. Most of all, they are about spending time with people who simply get it.

And sometimes, that cup of coffee and a friendly chat really can make all the difference.

Come along to one of our groups

Our friendly cancer support groups meet in March and Chatteris and are open to anyone affected by cancer, including partners, carers, family members and friends.

The March group takes place at March Library on the fourth Wednesday of the month between 10.15am and 11.45am.

The Chatteris group takes place at Chatteris’s King Edward Centre, every second Thursday of the month between 10.15am and 11.45am.

If you need any further information before coming along, please give me a call on 01353 865022 or email me at nicky.harris@cambsacre.org.uk.