Two cancer charities have joined forces to launch a new online support group for people affected by the disease.

The Bay Footprint Online Support Group is a joint project between CancerCare and Macmillan which aims to provide a monthly forum to answer questions about a range of cancer-related themes such as treatment side effects and provide practical advice about issues such as benefit entitlement.

The monthly Zoom sessions are open to anyone affected by cancer and will be attended by experts from CancerCare – which provides free professional therapy from centres in Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow – and Macmillan.

One of the organisers is CancerCare’s Sarah Drake who has lived experience of breast cancer and she said the group would enable people to ask questions and receive support in a convenient and non-clinical environment.

“We hope this will become a valuable addition to the services already offered by CancerCare and Macmillan.  Peer support will be very much at the heart of the group and we will be encouraging members to support each other.  However, we also understand that there may be some who will have queries that could be sensitive in nature so we will be able to set up individual ‘break-out’ rooms if needs be,” said Sarah.

Co-organiser Lorraine Jones from MBHT Macmillan Information and Support Service, who is also a former specialist cancer nurse said: “It’s quite unique to have two cancer charities working in partnership. We have worked in collaboration with CancerCare over the last three years, focusing on the care and support of those affected by cancer across Morecambe Bay, each offering different services.

“Being part of the Bay Footprint Cancer Support Group will hopefully enable us to reach out to more people in a safe and relaxed environment. We feel privileged to be a part of this new venture.”

For more information about how to join the session visit https://www.cancercare.org.uk/events/the-bay-footprint-online-cancer-support-group