One-to-one peer support for people living with metastatic breast cancer
A new service that gives people the opportunity to talk openly about metastatic breast cancer.
Our new service gives people living with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer the chance to speak to a trained volunteer who also has a metastatic diagnosis. We’re launching a 6-month service pilot later this year and are looking for volunteers.
What is the metastatic peer support pilot?
As someone living with metastatic breast cancer, you’ll understand how someone may be feeling and the challenges they’re facing. You’ll help someone feel less alone, feel more hopeful, and gain a greater understanding of how to live well with metastatic breast cancer.
You’ll be able to share insights from your own experience, where appropriate. Both you and the person you’re supporting can ask questions and talk openly in a confidential one-to-one space.
What will I be doing?
You’ll support someone living with metastatic breast cancer, usually by phone.
You’ll:
- support 1 or 2 people living with metastatic breast cancer
- make up to 4 calls with each person, with each call lasting up to 1 hour
- let us know what you’re comfortable sharing, and receive information about the person you’ll be supporting
Who can apply?
You need to have a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer and feel emotionally ready to talk about your experience of living with this.
We’re looking for people who feel they’re living well with metastatic breast cancer. We know that living well looks different for everyone. This could mean having good physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, maintaining a social life, or adapting to a new normal.
You’ll also need to feel comfortable listening to someone else’s experiences and supporting them through difficult moments.
What skills and qualities do I need?
We’ll give you training and guidance on how to support both yourself and the person you’re supporting. The skills and qualities you’ll bring include:
- being non-judgemental, empathetic and compassionate
- understanding personal boundaries and the importance of self-care
- being a good listener and communicator
- confidence using a phone and responding to emails, or a willingness to learn
- a willingness to share some of your own experiences when appropriate
- the ability to plan and organise your time, and manage commitments reliably
You don’t need to be an expert in support or information. We’ll give you the training and resources you need to help people find the right support.
You’ll need access to the internet to read emails from the team and log your time. You’ll also need access to a phone for making calls.
What's the time commitment?
This is a home-based role. We hope you’ll be able to give around 1 to 4 hours a month to support 1 or 2 people through phone calls.
What are the next steps?
Applications to volunteer with the pilot are opening at the start of July. You can register your interest to volunteer and we'll be in touch when applications open.