UK support groups

Here you will find a list of local support groups for ovarian or gynacological cancers based in the UK. They are arranged in alphabetical order by general location.

If you attend or run a group that you would like to see included here, please let us know

 

The Ovacome younger women's ovarian cancer support group

Ovacome holds a regular support group for women under 45 at the Maggie's Centre in London, in the grounds of Charing Cross Hospital near Hammersmith tube station.

Meetings take place on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 6.30 - 8.30pm and offers speakers, support and the chance for discussion and connection with other young ovarian cancer patients.

You do not need to book a place, just turn up on the night or give Ovaconme a call on 0845 371 0554 and let us know you'll be coming. Partners and friends are welcome and refreshments will be provided.

 

Ovarian and general gynaecological cancer support groups

 

Belfast

Angels of Hope Support Centre
Type of group: Ovarian Cancer
Meetings: Drop in centre open Mon-Thursday 9.30-3.30
Where: 17 Fitzwilliam Street, Belfast BT9 6AW. 02890241310
Other Information: Holistic therapies and counselling avaialble at no cost - appointment necessary.
www.angelsofhope.org.uk

 

Brighton

Type of Group: Ovarian Cancer
Meetings: Alternate months 10.30-12noon drop in coffee morning for patients of Brighton and Sussex University Hospital NHS Trust
Where: Audrey Emerton Building Sussex County Hospital
Contact: Liz Darragh Macmillan Gynae Oncology CNS 01273664455

 

Chichester

Type of Group: Ovarian Cancer
Meeting: Monthly
Where: St Richard's Hospital, Chichester
Contact: Annette Martyn, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist on 01243 788 122 ext 5274
https://sites.google.com/site/ovariancancergroup/

 

Derby

One Voice
 Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meeting: 4th Wednesday in the month from 10am to 12noon
Where: Macmillan Cancer Information Centre near entrance 24 of the Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Road Derby DE22 3NE
Contact: Kay Thornwell Gynae Clinical Nurse Specialist/ Krista Capewell Gynae Sister on 01332 785925 or Jan Petrie Gynae Clinical Nurse Specialist on 01283 511511 extn 5033
Other Information: Offers Support to women and their families. Patron Margaret Beckett.
www.onevoicederby.org.uk

 

Doncaster

ISIS Support Group
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: 6 - 7.30pm first Monday of the month
Where: Women's Hospital, Gynae Outpatients, Doncaster Royal Infirmary DN2 5LT
Contact: Jo Mann / Wendy Lee Gynaecology / Oncology clinical nurse specialists 01302 366666 ext 4673
Other Information: Friendly support group run by clinical nurse specialists. Speakers arranged for most meetings.

 

Dorset

reCOVEr
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: Monthly meetings for patients and carers
Contact: Jean Brown CNS(phone number available from Ovacome office)
Other Information: Medical and other specialists come and give talks. Opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences - excellent raffle!
www.recoversupport.org.uk

 

Dudley

Cancer Support
Type of group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: The Fourth Wednesday of every month at the White House Dudley usually 2pm
Where: The White House Dudley
Contact:  the White House 01384 231232
Other Information: Our aim is to offer mutual support to women who have been diagnosed with a range of gynaecological cancers. There is a varied programme of speakers covering a wide range of health and general interest topics plus visits to places of interest. A gynae clinical support nurse attends the meeings and is available for consultation on a one to one basis. A range of complementary therapies and other areas of support are available at the White House by appointment at all other times

 

Durham

Durham and District Women's Cancer Support Group
Type of Group: Support Group for women afffected by cancer - mainly breast cancer but also includes women with ovarian, cervical and skin cancers
Meetings: The second Monday of each month except August 7-8.30pm
Where: Education Depertment Common Room, East Wing, University Hospital of North Durham
Contact: Further Information from the local Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre 0191 333 2815 or email Sandy Allan sandyallan@onyxnet.co.uk

 

Guildford

Guildford Ovarian Cancer Group
Type of Group: Ovarian cancer
Meetings: Every 2 months 1-2.30pm
Where: Fountain Centre, St Lukes Cancer Centre, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX
Contact: Nikki Carter Gynae Specialist Nurse 01483 571 122

 

Harrogate Golden Girls
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: 2nd Thursday of every month 7.30-9pm
Where: Harrogate Fire Station
Contact: Marion Webb Macmillan Nurse 01423555732

 

Huddersfield

Daylight Support Group
Type of group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: Second Thursday of every month 10am -12 noon
Where: George Hotel Huddersfield
Contact: Pat Marsden CNS 01422 222720 / 222703

 

Ipswich

Please contact Alison Garnham Gynae/Onco CNS alison.garnham@ipswichhospital.nhs.uk

 

Kirkcaldy
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings Last Tuesday of every month except July and December 2-3.30pm
Where Ward 3 Forth Park Hospital 30 Bennochy Road, Kirkcaldy KY2 5RA
Contact Jane McCafferty j.mccafferty2@nhs.net
Other Information Usually a speaker with a chance to ask questions and to have informal chat with others. Friends and carers welcome

 

Leeds

Daylight Support Group
 Type of Group All gynaecolgical cancers
Meetings  1st Tuesday a month 6.30pm
Where Robert Ogden Centre, St James University Hospital
Contact Robyn Bowman  CNS 0113 2067836

 

Leicester

Type of Group: All gynaecolgical cancers
Meetings: 1st Tuesday of every month at 2.30pm
Where: Helen Webb House, Westleigh Road, Leicester
Contact: Lousie Boulter CNS 01162 047 898

 

London

Cherry Lodge Cancer Care
 Type of group: Ovarian cancer
Meetings: Wednesdays 7.30p-9pm, every 6 weeks.Next dates 2011 24th August, 5th October, 16th November
Where: 23 Union St, Barnet EN5 4HY
Contact: Fiona Kiddle 020 8441 7000 or fiona@cherrylodgecancercare.org.uk

Other Information: www.cherrylodgecancercare.org.uk

Lewisham Women's Cancer Support Group
Type of group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of every month 6-8pm
Where: University Hospital Lewisham High Street London SE13 6LH
Contact: Colette Robson 020 3192 6858
Other Information: This group provides a friendly and informal atmosphere in which women canmeet others witht the same or similar illness. Members of the group share ideas, experiences and information and give and receive and support. The group also organises visiting speakers and ares of special knowledge and expertise. Members come from different backgrouds and age groups. The aim of the group is to reduce anxiety and the sense of isolation and to increase confidence and resources to cope with cancer.

 

 

Maidstone

GOSH Gynaecological Oncology Support and Help Group
Type of group All gynaecological cancers
Meetings Every two months either on Saturday or in the evening
Where Postgraduate Centre Maistone Hospital
Contact Keli Carrie or Vickie Clinical Specialist Nurses 01622 224610/226375
Other This is an informal meeting to share experiences feelings advice, information and developments of mutual interest. There is the possibilty of a patient buddy system

 

Merseyside

Evoc
Type of group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: every 2 months
Where: Blackburne House, Liverpool City centre
Contact:  Clinical Nurse Specialists on 0151 702 4186

 

Middlesborough

Ova The Rainbow
Type of group: All gynaecological cancers but mainly ovarian
Meetings: First Friday in the month except January @11am-1pm
Where: The Trinity Centre, North Ormesby Market Square Middlesborough
Contact: Lynne Wright/ Jane McNeil 01642 282418
Other Information: Established in 2001 by Lynne and Jane specialist oncology nurses. Family friends and other supporters are welcome. Car Parking is free with easy access and transport can be arranged if needed. An opportunity to make new friends and exchange information. Talks by visiting speakers. Newsletters.

 

Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire Gynae Cancer Support Group (Voice)
Type of Group: All gynae cancers
Meetings: Meets last Wednesday of the month from 7.30-9.30 Where: The Cripps Centre, Northampton General Hospital.
Contact: Gail Pullen - details from the Ovacome office or phone Anita York/ Claire Campbell on 01604 544307.

 

Nottinghamshire

Nott Gosh ( Nottingham Gynaecology Self Help Group )
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: Every other month, usually last tuesday 7-9pm
Where: Nottingham University Hospital ( City Campus)
Contact: Sue Mills Gynaecological Specialist Nurse 01159691169 extn 56162 or Glenis Swift 0115 9538617
Other Information: A group of ladies ( partners friends and carers ) who meet to support each other in the aftermath of various gynaecological cancers.

 

Portsmouth

Type of group: Ovarian cancer
Meetings: 11am-12.30 on the 4th WEDNESDAY of every month 2011
Where: White Horse (Lily Langtry's) opposite the common in Southsea, Portsmouth.
Other information: We aim to connect and help those affected by Ovarian Cancer. We also aim to make friends and discuss a wide range of subjects. Please join us. There is no need tobook and we look forward to meeting you.

 

Reading

Coffee and Chat
Type of group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: First Wednesday of every month 10.30 to 12
Where: Hurley Ward- Day Room ( Gynaecological Ward) Royal Berkshire Hospital, London Road, Reading RG1 5AN
Contact: Lisa Clarke 01183 228195 / Catherine Bailey 01183 228700
Other Information: Women only, friendly group, informal meeting, speakers arranged as and when specified by members. Attended by gynae oncology nurse specialist and Macmillan information health professional. The aim of the group is to support each other with practical and sensitive issues give members the ability to express feelings, to share information and to help individual's ways of coping.

 

Romford

Converse
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: First Monday of the month, changing to second Monday of the month if the first falls on a bank holiday, 7-9pm
Where: Victoria Centre Pettits Lane Romford
Contact: Coordinator Donna Hurley 01708 435174
Other Information: This group provides support and information to women, their families, carers and friends. A gynaecological nurse specialist and Macmillan Information Officer are present at every meeting. CONVERSE stands for Cervical Ovarian N Vulval/Vaginal, Endometrial,R,Support, Education.

 

Sidcup
Type of Group All gynaecological cancers
Meetings 2nd Tuesday of each month apart from August 2-4pm
Where Dougla Macmillan Centre 1st Floor Queen Mary's Hospital Sidcup Junction 4
Contact Centre Manager 0208 308 3295 or Margaret Kent Gynae CNS 0208 302 2678 Bleep 413

 

Solihull

Cancer Support Group
Type of Group: All cancers including all gynaecological cancers.
Meeting: 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month @7.30pm
Where: SIMTA Conference Centre (behind Parkway Private Hospital) Damsonwood Parkway, Solihull
Contact: Patricia Hill CNS 0121 711 1966 or Shirley Peck CNS 0121 705 1818
Other Information: Offers a warm welcome with tea and biscuits. At each meeting they have an interesting and informative talk from experts such as oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and complimentary therapists. They also offer the services of people with skills in relaxation and healing. You will be able to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience- you do not have to do it on your own.

 

Somerset

GOSSIP Yeovil
 Type of Group: For all women who have or have had a gynaecological cancer
Meetings: Last Monday of every month except July and December 5.00pm and 6.30pm
Where: Yeovil Women's Hospital Seminar Room
Contact: Run by Eileen Fort CNS 01935384454 with volunteer help
Other Information: Monthly speaker on subjects such as clinical trials and research, diet,exercise,chemotherapy,complementary therapies, refreshments and peer support. Partners and family members welcome


Southend

COPES
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: One Saturday a month 10am to 12 noon
Where: Nightingale Centre Southend Hospital
Contact: Emma Chaplin or Marilyn Whittick 01702 435555 extn 4122
Other Information: Informal group, visits from guest speakers and professionals for info, discussions, fundraising, coffee, mutual support, chat etc. All welcome.

 

Southport

Ovarian Cancer Support
Type of Group: Ovarian Cancer
Meetings: First Tuesday alternative months at 7pm
Where: Sallus Centre Southport and Formby District General Hospital
Contact: Esther Lennon 01695656658 ( Mon -Fri 9-5)
Other Information: Meet for friendship and support. Exchange information and experiences. Informal and friendly. Often have speakers.

 

Surrey

New Horizons Gynae Cancer Support Group
 Type of Group All gynae cancers but mainly ovarian
Meetings Every two months, Jan, Mar May July Sept, Nov. Last Wednesday of the month 7-9pm
Where The Parish Rooms Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church Portsmouth Road Frimley
Contact Karen or Angela Number from Ovacome office
Other Information Offering Emotional Support and Practical Help

 

Wakefield

WAGS ( Women's Association of Gynae Oncology Support) part of Daylight
Type of Group All gynae cancers
Meetings Last Wednesday of the month
Where The Cock and Crown Pub Wakefield
Contact Keely Clawson CNS 01977 747421

 

Walsall

EvOcC
Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: Once every two months, usually the last Tuesday at 7.30pm
Where: Walsall Manor Hospital (Manor Learing and Conference Centre)
Contact: Margaret Merrick - 01922 721172 Extn 6564 margaret.merrick@walsallhospitals.nhs.uk
Other Information:  Phone first to check on details of meeting in case of changes of details. Informal meetings, speakers as and when requested by members. Gynae/Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist attends. Friends and carers are welcome. Annual fund raising disco for local hospital. We are a small group but perfectly formed!

 

Worcestershire

Worcestershire Gynaecological Cancer Group

Type of Group: All gynaecological cancers
Meetings: Last Wednesday of every month 7-9pm
Where: St Richards Hospice
Contact: Nicki Plant Gynae/Oncology CNS 01905733257

 

Other Support Groups

London

Bereaved Partners Support Group

Type of group: Bereveaved partners
Meetings: Every 3rd Monday of the month between 6.30 - 8.30 pm
Where: Vale Community Centre in Northwest London
Contact: Erin Thompson on 07761 466713
Other information: The aim of the group is to create a regular space for people to share stories and experiences with others who have experienced a similar kind of loss.
www.bereavedpartnerssupportgroup.com