Social Prescribing Resource Sheet:
Cancer Support

 

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Cancer Support

We’re sorry to hear that you’re going through a difficult time. This resource sheet includes a selection of services, tools, and organisations that others have found helpful.

If you require further support in accessing these, or other services, please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or contact us via our online form.

nurse-with-cancer-patient

 

Social Prescribing is available at your GP Surgery

If you live in Bridport, Beaminster, Lyme Regis or the wider West Dorset area, you can speak directly with our Social Prescribers and Care Coordinators - no referral needed.

  • Support with finances
  • Getting Active
  • Hobbies and Interests
  • Connecting to Community
  • Supporting wellbeing
  • Help with Long Term Conditions

 

Prescription exemption for people affected by cancer

You don’t have to pay for prescriptions if you are being treated for cancer or for the effects of cancer/cancer treatment - please ask for a medical exemption certificate from your GP.

Dorset Macmillan Citizens Advice Bureau

Dorset Macmillan Citizens Advice Bureau can help with financial queries/difficulties. They can also offer advice on and help obtain financial grants to people who are struggling due to their diagnosis.

Telephone: 01305 595971 or 0845 490 0042 (Mon–Fri, 10:00–15:00; answerphone outside these hours)

Email: Email the Dorset Macmillan CAB

If you prefer, your Macmillan keyworker or Specialist Nurse can make a referral to the team for you.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support offers a wide variety of free support and information.

Website: Visit Macmillan Cancer Support

Telephone: 0808 808 0000 (Free, 7 days a week, 8am–8pm)

Online community: Visit the Macmillan online community

Work and cancer: Information about your rights at work

 

The Living Tree

Community-based cancer peer support group based in Bridport. Welcomes anyone affected by cancer from West Dorset, East Devon and South Somerset.

Weekly drop-in: Fridays 2–4pm, Quaker Meeting House, Bridport

Telephone: 07341 916976

Email: Email The Living Tree

Website: Visit The Living Tree website

Stepping Out

Cancer rehabilitation scheme based at Bridport Leisure Centre. An exercise and wellbeing referral scheme for people living with and beyond cancer, aiming to improve balance, overall fitness and general wellbeing in a supportive group.

Website: Visit the Stepping Out website

Social Prescribing can also refer you.

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support (ALCS)

Local independent charity providing support for anyone affected by cancer. Regular drop-in sessions in Axminster and monthly sessions in Lyme Regis.

Axminster drop-in: Cross Keys House, Chard Street, Axminster, EX13 5EB

Lyme Regis session: The Waffle House, monthly, 10:00am–12:00

Telephone: 07512 279663

Email: Email ALCS

Website: Visit Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support website

 

Stalbridge Cancer Recovery and Support (SCARS)

Informal group with regular drop-ins at Stalbridge and Sherborne.

Website: Visit the Stalbridge Cancer Recovery and Support (SCARS) website

Email: Email Stalbridge Cancer Recovery and Support (SCARS)

SHINE

Online group for younger adults (20s–40s) affected by cancer.

Website: Visit the SHINE website

Telephone: 07804 479413

New-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group

Weymouth-based group covering West Dorset, meeting monthly at St Andrews Church Hall.

Website: Visit the New-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group website

Telephone: 01305 266892

Email: Email New-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group

Go Girls

Support for gynaecological cancers in Dorset.

Telephone: 07780 467061 (Mon–Sun, 10–4)

Email: Email Go Girls

Website: Visit the Go Girls website

West Dorset Breast Cancer Support Group

Group of breast cancer survivors showing there is life after breast cancer, supported by Macmillan Breast Care Nurse Specialists at Dorset County Hospital.

Branches include:

  • Bandanas (Weymouth)
  • Blandford
  • Bridport
  • Dorchester
  • Younger Women (Dorset County Hospital)

Ask your Clinical Nurse Specialist or Cancer Support Worker for more details.

Cancer Research UK

Offers support and information for anyone affected by cancer, including a dedicated page for children of people with cancer and an online chat facility.

Telephone: 0808 800 4040 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)

Website: Visit the Cancer Research UK website

Support for children: Support for children whose parents have cancer

Wessex Cancer Trust – Bournemouth

Offers free advice and information to anyone affected by cancer, including counselling, befriending, and complementary therapies.

Website: Visit the Wessex Cancer Trust – Bournemouth website

British Red Cross

Lends equipment including wheelchairs and toilet aids, and can provide other support.

Telephone: 01305 791303 (Mon–Fri) or 0808 196 3651 (10am–6pm, 7 days a week)

Social Prescribing Cancer Care Coordinator

Our Cancer Care Coordinator, Pauline Gardiner, works alongside the Social Prescribing Team to support anyone affected by cancer. Please contact the Social Prescribing Team on 01308 428943 or leave a message at your GP reception for a callback.

More information and service finders

 

Further Information

While we hope you may find something here that supports you, please note that these resources are not all officially endorsed by the NHS. We endeavour to ensure that all listings are accurate and up to date, but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this at all times.

If you are a local service, organisation or group that would like to be included in this guide, please contact us via secure online form or call the PCN Admin Team on 01308 801810 and tell us about your support offering.

Last updated: October 2025.