Working through cancer together entails small group learning that enable managers and workplaces to support people in their team with cancer, or who have family/friends with cancer, helping them manage a challenging situation in a safe, practical, and compassionate way, whilst acknowledging the needs of the business.

These sessions create a secure, structured space to learn, reflect and practise supportive approaches that strengthen team trust, wellbeing and retention.

Supporting employees affected by cancer is not only the right thing to do, it strengthens organisational culture. Managers who feel confident and equipped to respond compassionately can make a profound difference to individuals and teams navigating one of life’s most challenging experiences.

 

How cancer is affecting workplaces today

 

1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.

In an organisation of 2,000 people you are likely to have:

  • 35 staff living with cancer
  • 6 staff diagnosed with cancer in the next 12 months
  • 25 partners of your workforce will either have cancer or will develop it this year

Here’s some stats from Macmillan’s survey (2018) of people of working age with Cancer:

  • Staying in, or returning to work is important to people living with cancer (87%)
  • 1 in 5 (20%) of people who return to work after their diagnosis face discrimination at work)
  • Financial pressures are a motivation for remaining in work (54%)
  • Working helps people to remain positive, keep up morale, or self-esteem (55%)
  • Informal care for patients with cancer, and the impact of living with cancer, costs the UK economy £4-4.5bn and £1.7-1.99bn per year respectively

 

Our Course Information

 

Session Duration

The session runs for 2.5 to 3 hours, allowing enough time for learning, reflection and practical discussion.

Group Size

Designed for up to 10 attendees, ensuring a supportive and interactive environment. If you don’t have a group of 10 people, please contact us and we will accommodate your needs.

Cost

The total cost of the session for 10 people is £750.

Delivery Format

Our approach blends:

  • Short, focused information segments to introduce key concepts
  • Longer interactive discussions where participants can share experiences
  • Practical scenario-based activities to explore real workplace situations in a safe and supportive setting

This structure helps attendees build confidence and develop practical strategies for navigating work while living with or supporting someone through cancer.

Location

The session is ideally delivered in person, as the nature of the course benefits from face‑to‑face interaction and shared discussion.

Virtual delivery can be arranged on request, though it is not the preferred format.

For convenience and to minimise travel time for participants, the course is best delivered on the employer’s site.

How to Book: Please email hassanhameed@teessidehospice.co.uk

 

The key outcomes of the course

 

  • Have greater confidence holding (emotionally) challenging conversations
  • Understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis or treatment on themselves, a member of their team, and the wider team
  • Appreciate their legal and practical responsibilities
  • Develop practical skills to offer empathic and effective support
  • Be equipped to improve retention of expertise, and the trust of their team, through the challenges cancer presents

This programme represents a vital step towards fostering compassionate leadership and creating supportive workplaces where employees affected by cancer feel valued and understood. By empowering managers with the right knowledge and skills, organisations can build resilient teams that navigate challenges with empathy and strength, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more inclusive work environment for all.