How can befriending help if you're affected by cancer?

Befriend: (verb) to act as or become a friend to someone,

especially when they need support

What is befriending?

Our befrienders are trained and caring listeners for anyone affected by cancer who may appreciate talking or having non-judgemental company through difficult or confusing thoughts and feelings.

You may have cancer yourself – perhaps you’re recently diagnosed or are adjusting to life after cancer. Maybe you’re supporting someone who has cancer or are bereaved. We’re here for you, whatever your experience.

At Wessex Cancer Support, anyone can simply drop in and chat with a trained befriender at any of our four cancer Support Centres, and we’ve just launched new sessions in Andover, too.

But we know that taking those first steps can be hard. Some people wait, hoping things will get easier or believe others deserve support more. Perhaps you’re worried about what to expect or that you’ll say the ‘wrong’ thing. Please remember that providing specialist wellbeing support is at the heart of what we do, and befriending isn’t just for the hardest moments; it’s for however you’re feeling and there’s no right or wrong way to feel.

Is befriending for me?

-You might be experiencing thoughts and feelings you’re not used to, or would appreciate talking to someone outside of your main circle of friends and family (even if they’re very supportive).

-You don’t need to be referred by your GP or anyone in your cancer care team. Simply drop in for a chat and a cuppa (we have good cakes, too!) in a warm and relaxing environment.

-Our befrienders will make you feel welcome. They’re empathetic and supportive and will listen without judgement. If necessary, they can sign-post you to other organisations or empower you to have conversations with other agencies

-Chatting with a befriender is very informal and you can just be yourself, without any filtering or worrying about how you ‘should’ be.

-You might go on to explore other support we can provide, such as professional one-to-one counselling or complementary therapies. All of the support we provide can be tailored to your specific needs

“For me, it really did help”

Gretel was supported by our Chandler’s Ford Support Centre after her husband died. She later became a befriender because she wanted to use her experience to help others:

“I was scared when I first came to the Support Centre, but everyone was so warm and welcoming. Whether you’re bereaved, you’re supporting someone with cancer or you have cancer yourself, everyone’s experiences are different, but you can say anything and you’re listened to. For me, it really did help.”

Please remember that befriending isn’t just for the hardest moments, it’s for however you’re feeling and you do deserve support.