Plus Ones – Partner Support
Our Plus Ones Circle programme gives you the chance to be part of a small group of partners of young adults living with incurable cancer.
If your partner is in their 20s, 30s or 40s and has had a diagnosis of incurable, stage 4 or chronic cancer, this programme could be for you.
The programme is entirely online and gives you the opportunity to join a small group of plus ones who meet up once a week for six weeks (for 2 hours at a time). Each group will be limited to 12 participants and each week we’ll be discussing a different topic – but there will also be plenty of time to get to know one another and to share your experiences.
Our next programme for partners will be in October 2026 on Tuesday evenings (6.30-8.30pm) from 20th October – 1st December 2026 (with a break on Oct 27th). Applications are open now and close on 18th September. If you have any questions, drop us a line at hi@shinecancersupport.org
About the programme
We know that being a plus one can be lonely and difficult which is why we’re really happy we can offer support through this programme!
How does it work?
We’ll meet online once a week for 2 hours. Each week, we’ll spend some time chatting, and discussing different topics, but there will be a lot of time for informal discussion as well. Topics include things like managing uncertainty, relationships and communication, and identifying your own needs as a partner. Spaces are limited to keep the groups small.
When is it?
Our next programme will start in October 2026 on Tuesday evenings (6.30-8.30pm) – it will run from 20th Oct – 1st Dec (with a break on 27th Oct).
How much does it cost?
It’s free! Yes, really! We will ask everyone who participates to pay a refundable £50 deposit. Because these are small groups and our programmes are always oversubscribed, we’re asking for a deposit so that we can confirm your spot and make sure others don’t lose out. We’ll return the money as soon as the programme finishes. Please don’t let the deposit put you off applying. If you’re tight on cash, just let us know. We’ve got bursaries available!
Questions?
Drop us a line at hi@shinecancersupport.org and we’ll get back to you asap.
Experiences of the programme
I took part on the advice of my wife, who was on the main Circles programme. It really felt like the support I didn’t know I needed, having a group of people in a similar situation to me who I could talk to comfortably, knowing they would understand and in most cases feel similarly. It was so useful and interesting to hear different perspectives and different experiences, and understand how others were dealing with their situations. More than anything this programme made me feel less alone in what I am dealing with as a partner of someone with cancer, and has connected me with people I will certainly stay in touch with.