Ask the blood cancer community

There are lots of ways you can get in touch with people affected by blood cancer. We know it can feel like a lot to take in. Especially if you've just been diagnosed or you've never looked for this kind of support before. 

Below, we've put together some support that you might like to explore, starting with asking the blood cancer community on our online forum.

Our online forum is a safe, welcoming space to ask the blood cancer community. You can ask questions about anything that's on your mind, share how you're doing, and hear from people who understand.

Over 7,000 members are there already, all with lived experience of blood cancer - whether that's their own diagnosis, or supporting a loved one as a carer or family member.

• Do I have blood cancer? What signs and symptoms did you experience?
• I've just been diagnosed - what happens now?
• How do I live with blood cancer day to day?
• How do I care for someone with blood cancer and also look after myself?

• When you join the forum, you choose how much you'd like to share. Using a username helps keep your identity private. There's no pressure to discuss your diagnosis or experiences unless you want to.
• You can post when you feel ready and you'll be welcomed by trained forum support volunteers who have personal experience of blood cancer.
• Blood cancer nurses and staff moderators are part of the community too, helping to create a respectful, supportive space for everyone.
• You'll hear from others with real, lived experience of everyday practical things that make a difference but might not come up in meetings with your medical team.
• You can explore previous discussions, where you're likely to find people with similar questions or experiences to you.
• The forum is available 24 hours a day. You can read, post, or connect with others whenever you choose, and at your own pace.

You can have a look around to see if it feel like helpful support for where you are now. You don't need to sign up to read conversations - but you will be asked to sign up to post a comment or question.

Below you can find details of other peer-to-peer support.

Support groups are often specific to a particular diagnosis, so joining one usually means meeting people living with the same, or a similar, condition. There are dozens across the UK, many running online too:

• Myeloma UK support groups: Lists support group in the UK and Ireland, many specifically for people affected by myeloma.
• Leukaemia Care support groups: Run for patients and families affected by leukaemia and related blood cancers.
• Shine Cancer Support: For people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. They run workshops, retreats and an annual conference.
• WMUK: Offers support for people affected by Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM).

Sometimes it helps to talk to just one person who's been through something similar to you. Buddy services pair you with a trained volunteer for that kind of one-to-one support:

• Lymphoma Action buddy service: You'll be matched with a volunteer who's been through a similar diagnosis or treatment path. For anyone 18+ affected by lymphoma, including loved ones.
• Leukaemia Care buddy service: Offers regular or one-off telephone or email support from a trained volunteer.
• MPN Voice buddy programme: Individual support for anyone affected by MPNs.

These events can be in person or online. You can meet others affected by your condition and hear about the latest research, in a relaxed, friendly setting:

• CLL Support Association - Webinar and conference schedule - CLL Support Association
• Myeloma UK - Patient and family events - Myeloma UK
• MPN Voice - Events - MPN Voice
• WMUK - WMUK events
• MDS UK Patient Support Group - Support meetings