Our in-person support groups – what to expect

1 August 2023 | Support, Blog

Are you thinking about coming along to one of our in-person support groups, but curious if it’s the right fit for you?

Would you benefit from support and guidance from the brain tumour community, but are unsure what to expect?

Our Support Professional in Cornwall and Devon, Amy Young, explains what our support groups are all about, how they run, and what you can expect from them.

Brain Tumour Support is holding support groups in various locations across the UK. They are generally led by two members of staff – one of whom is the Support Professional for your area – so if you are registered with our services before coming along, there will be someone there familiar to you.

We strive to make our groups as relaxed, friendly and welcoming as possible. We are aware that coming along to a group for the first time can be daunting, so are there to put you at ease. We will provide a selection of hot and cold refreshments and aim to have a quick personal catch-up to see how you are and how you’re feeling. If you are feeling nervous, please tell us so that we can support you.

Our groups consist of returning and new members, and the community is a friendly and understanding one. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable – there is no pressure or expectation to say more than you wish, and nobody will push you to do so. Our Code of Conduct and supportive ethos ensure that everything shared in the group is received respectfully and with confidentiality. Our groups are full of like-minded people who are in similar situations – sharing similar difficulties, frustrations, ups and downs in their own brain tumour journeys. This means that there is no judgement, and you can be as open and honest as you like – it is more than likely that somebody in the room will have had the same thoughts themselves at some point.

You do not have to stay for the whole of the group if you do not wish. We use the time allotted for introductions and group discussions, as well as conversations in smaller groups or one-to-one, and the opportunity to have an individual chat with your support professional if you wish to do so. We may also have guest speakers or members of the clinical team attending some of the meetings to share information or answer questions.

There are conversations about topics related to brain tumours, which range far and wide, including scanxiety, fatigue, medications, and impacts on day to day life, amongst many others.

It is a great space to chat about what is on your mind, and get support and advice from those who have been there, or are in the same situation now.

It is not all brain tumour chat though – there are opportunities to make connections and friendships beyond this. Plus, there is plenty of cake too!

Amy Young, August 2023

If you are interested in coming along, would like to know more, or would like some reassurance, please contact your Support Professional if you’re already registered with Brain Tumour Support, or our Support Line at 01454 422 701 or email us to register and be put in touch with one. We highly recommend registering with us first, however, you are always still welcome to come along without doing so.

Find out more about our support.

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