Supporting someone through cancer
We welcome friends and whānau to join participants at our free sessions as a support person, whether that’s attending a community class or connecting online from home.
You’re also welcome to sit in on our online classes, including Expert Q&As sessions. These spaces can offer reassurance, practical tools, and a chance to feel a little more grounded, together.
Alongside this, a range of our services may support you too. From on-demand videos covering breathing techniques, self-massage, and ways to feel calmer, as well as our Cancer Conversations podcast, these are here to help you navigate the emotional side of supporting someone you care about.
What support can look like
There’s no single “right” way to support someone through cancer. What matters most is showing up in a way that feels steady, kind, and real.
Some of the most helpful things you can do include:
- Be present – you don’t need to fix it or have the right words. Listening and simply being there matters
- Offer specific help – practical support like driving to appointments, cooking meals, or helping with everyday tasks can ease the load
- Respect their energy – some days they may want company, other days they may need space
- Keep checking in – even if they don’t always respond, knowing you’re there is important
- Take the pressure off – small details, like not needing to return containers, can mean more than you think
Supporting someone can also mean helping them feel a little more in control, whether that’s giving them choices, respecting what they feel up to, or supporting routines that bring comfort.
One of the most powerful ideas shared in our sessions is “sitting in the mud”, being alongside someone in the reality of what they’re going through, without trying to fix it or rush them through it. You don’t have to change it to make a difference.
What you can do to look after yourself
Supporting someone through cancer can take a real emotional toll. Many people find it more challenging than they expected, especially when you’re balancing your own life alongside caring for someone else.
Looking after yourself isn’t stepping away; it’s what helps you keep showing up in a way that feels steady and sustainable.
You might find it helpful to:
- Take small breaks where you can—rest, go for a walk, or just have a moment to yourself
- Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling
- Join a session or watch a video that helps you feel calmer or more grounded
- Give yourself permission to not have all the answers
- Stay connected to parts of your life that are yours, outside of cancer
Even small moments of care can make a difference.
Getting started
If you’re not sure where to begin, you can simply join a session with your person and sit in and listen.
You can book on behalf of someone you care about, or refer them to us, and we’ll gently guide them through what’s available.
