Donate'SBC & my working life' information sources and potential support
Everybody’s situation and approach to living with cancer and having a working life is different. It is often daunting to know who to turn to for advice - whether immediate planning for financial worries or planning to get back to work once you are stable or even how to discuss support and working with a current employer. This page lists some of the organisations we have heard about or members of our community have recommended to reach out to for support.
It is not exhaustive so if there are other organisations you would like us to add for the benefit of the M2C community please contact support@make2ndscount.co.uk.
Macmillan - Work Support Service
Offers advice to people who are employed or self-employed and are affected by cancer. There is a team and supporting material to help you to; understand your rights at work; also offer guidance on how to talk to your employer and negotiate adjustments at work and if you need one-off legal advice they can refer you as well as provide information on sick pay and taking time off.
Contact local offices via their main website for advice and discussion about your individual circumstances and needs. There is a pamphlet and initiative with Macmillan to support those who are experiencing financial difficulty and help with questions you may have.
Maggies - work and cancer services
Their pages will help you to find out more about work-related issues you may face after a diagnosis of cancer and how Maggie's can help. There are resources to help navigate work on diagnosis, however, much of the focus is on those who are expecting to go through a period of treatment and then ‘return to work’ afterwards.
Whether you have questions on managing day-to-day care, want to understand symptoms of treatment, are looking for financial information or just need a friendly ear – we're here to listen and help.
You can also choose to speak to an Information and Support Nurse when you call between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Or, if you're worried about energy bills, you can speak to one of our dedicated Energy Support Officers. They can give you expert information on things like supplier-specific support, grants, and energy efficiency updates.
If you don't speak English, or it isn't your first language, our Support Line is available in over 200 languages. Get in touch and we can request an interpreter to join and translate your call live.
They have a section on their main website site which is about coping practically with cancer. There is information about grants, benefits and disability rites and benefits which could be relevant as you navigate working life and cancer.
A social enterprise set up to support those affected by a cancer diagnosis - patients and carers - who need help navigating the world of work. They support and raise awareness of work and cancer targeting and educating employers as well as employees and can offer subsidised coaching and support. They offer free online workshops, some targeted at those with an incurable stage 4 diagnosis.
Future Dreams - Moving forward & Back to Work
Future dreams focuses on a series of workshops/ support services to help with coping with breast cancer, treatment and work. This includes working on a CV if you are thinking of making a change. Whilst the workshops clearly focus on life after treatment to Breast Cancer some of the Life Coaching sessions look to support those living and working with long term cancer and they are clear in their statements that participants should practise tolerance and empathy considering diverse diagnosis and prognosis.
Brave Starts is a non-profit organisation which helps people aged 45-70+ feel excited about the next 10+ years of their career.
For those considering options, looking for a change or wanting to do something more purposeful, they offer a community of like minded individuals, workshops and support to help give your career a pragmatic and significant refresh or take a change of direction to fit new circumstances too.
Turn2us is a national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. This could be a result of terminal illness, lots of sources of help and information on their site from benefits calculators to access to grants.
Young Women’s Trust champions young women aged 18 to 30 on low or no pay.
Work It Out is a free service that offers support for women aged 18 to 30. There are 2 parts to Work It Out: coaching and job application feedback. Our coaches can help with anything from interview preparation to identifying your skills and planning your next steps in life. Conversations between you and your coach are flexible – they can be arranged during the day, in the evenings or at weekends – and are totally confidential.
Making working life better for everyone in Britain.
ACAS gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. We also offer training and help to resolve disputes.