Introducing Our New Wigwam Cancer Support Groups Structure

We’ve listened — and we’re proud to share the next chapter of our Yes to Life Wigwam Cancer Support Groups

Cancer affects everyone differently, but one thing we’ve heard time and again is the same: no one should have to face it alone. At Yes to Life, your stories, your experiences, and your ideas have guided us, and today we’re proud to launch our new Wigwam Cancer Support Groups structure, thoughtfully designed to better meet your needs and create even more opportunities to connect, share, and support each on another.

Wigwam has always been more than “just” a cancer support group. It is a community where people affected by cancer come together to share experiences and offer a listening ear, but many of you have told us it offers something deeper: a personal, human, and compassionate presence that sees the whole person, not just the diagnosis. We honour each individual’s story, values, and choices, free from judgement and respectful of the different paths we may take through our darkest challenges. Members often describe it as “refreshing” to be among like-minded people who truly understand – people who value both medical care and whole-person support – in a space where you can simply be yourself and feel genuinely seen and supported.

Our Wigwam Support Groups provide a safe, welcoming space to explore an integrative approach to cancer, combining conventional treatment with lifestyle, emotional, and complementary support.

Every group is led by trained volunteers who have been there themselves and who are navigating an integrative approach with, through, and beyond, cancer. Our Facilitators understand how cancer impacts not only the individual, but the ripple effect it has on families, friendships, and wider networks. They have experienced the highest highs and the deepest of challenges – the fear, uncertainty, and overwhelm, alongside courage, resilience and renewed zest for life. They understand the value of connection, authenticity, inspiration, insight, care and encouragement. This isn’t therapy, and it isn’t about giving medical advice. It’s about people supporting people through cancer and the impacts this can have; physically, emotionally, mentally and often spiritually.

Whether you are navigating diagnosis or treatment, living with the ongoing impact of cancer, or moving forward after treatment, there is a Wigwam Group for you. Our new structure is designed to gently hold and support you from initial curiosity through every stage of the emotional journey.

Our NEW Online Wigwam Cancer Support Groups include:

• Finding Your Way – for those navigating a recent diagnosis or in treatment (Thursday)
• Moving Forward Beyond Treatment – for those navigating life after treatment and finding a ‘new normal’ (Thursday)
• Living Well with Ongoing/Advanced – for those living with cancer as a long-term or ongoing condition (Monday)
• Caregivers/Loved Ones – for partners, family members, and close friends supporting someone with cancer (Monday)
• Men’s Group – a safe, confidential space for men to speak openly and honestly (Tuesday)
• Evening Drop-In sessions – for those who prefer flexible, no-commitment support (Wednesday)

Please note that we also offer several in-person and affiliate-run Wigwam support groups, led by supporters across our network in different locations — and this is something we continue to grow and develop.

Each group offers something depending on where you are in your journey, yet all share the same purpose: to foster connection, understanding, belonging and reassurance that not only do we not have to face cancer alone, but that it can be supportive for our experience, treatment and outcomes.

This new structure is designed to meet your needs and offer flexibility, choice, and connection when you need it. Whether you’re curious, ready to join, or simply exploring your options, Wigwam is here to support you – at your pace and in your way. There is no pressure, just a community waiting to welcome you.

Wigwam Café – A Gentle First Step

We know taking that taking first step can feel daunting. That’s why we also offer our online Wigwam Café – a relaxed, informal online drop-in space where you can meet our Wigwam Support Group Co-Ordinator, Sara Spinks, ask questions, chat, and get a feel for the community before committing to a group. Many people tell us that their first café visit feels like taking a deep breath – safe, welcoming, and full of warmth. It’s often the small step that opens the door to something truly supportive.

Thank you for sharing your trust, your stories, your courage, and your voice. Wigwam has grown because of you. With this new structure, we’re ready to continue walking this path together and taking our next steps together — side by side.

To find out more, explore our groups, or register for a Wigwam Café, all the information is on our website. Please visit:

https://yestolife.org.uk/cancer-support-groups/