At the end of April, OUTpatients launched our new peer support group for LGBTIQ+ people who have been affected by breast cancer.
In partnership with the breast cancer charity Future Dreams, eleven people from across the LGBTIQ+ spectrum braved the gray weather to come join us at the beautiful Future Dreams House in Kings Cross, London.
With delicious food cooked by Ryan Riley of Life Kitchen, attendees were able to relax and connect in the kitchen and balcony areas (in between the drizzle!). The event was wheelchair accessible, offered the use of a quiet breakout room, we had a nurse available for those who needed it, and we provided signposting to additional LGBTIQ+ and breast cancer resources.
This event would not have been possible without the amazing guidance and support provided by our breast cancer ambassadors. These volunteers used their lived experience to shape the service into what they felt was useful. It was truly an event led by and for our community with cancer. Joining us on the day, they generously shared their time and stories with those attending, creating a friendly and warm atmosphere that helped the people at the group know, ‘you are not alone’.
Lisa, one of our patient ambassadors, had this to say about their experience:
“It was such a relief to find a community of LGBTIQ+ people living in and under a breast cancer diagnosis and to be able to share experiences and support. Although nobody wants to join the 'cancer club' just knowing there are other people out there to talk to and not feel so isolated has been invaluable. I am looking forward to being part of how the group develops as it grows in number. Please join us!”
From June, the breast cancer support group will be running monthly, alternating between online and in-person sessions! To find out the dates, times, and locations of all the upcoming sessions please look on the Future Dreams momence page. Like all OUTpatients services, all sessions are free to attend.
OUTpatients is a nationwide charity for all LGBTIQ+ people affected by any kind of cancer. We have been inspired by the success of this session, and look forward to hosting more in-person activities in the near future – continuing our support for LGBTIQ+ people affected by breast cancer, and expanding opportunities for LGBTIQ+ people affected by any kind of cancer.
Want to get involved? Find out more below!
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OUTpatients hosts monthly online support peer sessions for LGBTIQ+ people affected by cancer. We have a group for patients and another group for supporters such as partners, families (including chosen families), and carers. We will also soon be offering more breast cancer support sessions and more in-person support sessions for all! Join our patients or supporters mailing list to find out dates and times.
Interested in volunteering for OUTpatients? Email Jawadat, our London Volunteering Officer, here.
Interested in working with us to host an in-person support group in the UK? Contact us here.