Where can I find support?

BRCA Kent is a local, voluntary-led group to support women in Kent with the BRCA1/2 gene mutation. The group offers experience, support and friendship in a safe and caring environment.

The support group runs at the following locations on different days each month between 7-9pm:

• West Kent Meetings: Now being held at Maidstone Hospital not KIMS Hospital in Maidstone
• East Kent Meetings: QEQM Hospital in Margate

Please email info@brcakent.org.uk before attending.

Visit their website for more information at brcakent.org.uk.  

You can also find BRCA Kent on:

• Twitter: @BRCAKent (closed group)
• Facebook: BRCA Kent (closed group)
• Instagram: brcakent

This group meets once a month at the Macmillan Horizon Centre in Brighton and is a self-support group for women of all ages in Sussex who have tested positive for the faulty BRCA1/2 gene. The group shares knowledge and experience and offers support in a confidential and friendly environment. It also has visiting speakers. 

Some group members have had, or are considering, risk reducing surgery whilst others have decided to choose regular surveillance as a way forward. 

There is a Facebook page you can join – BRCA Brighton (members have to send in a request to be approved).

For further details please contact BRCAbrighton@gmail.com.

FORCE is a US-based group with a branch in Essex who have group meetings for members. See more here.

An online support forum for men and women with a hereditary risk of cancer. There are local branches that hold support groups in the following areas. 

• Edinburgh
  
• Glasgow
  
• Paisley
  
• North Yorkshire
  
• Manchester
  
• Birmingham
  
• Bristol
  
• Hertfordshire/ North London
  
• Liverpool (Independent group)
  

Join BRCA Umbrella at brcaumbrella.ning.com.

BRCA Link NI is a voluntary organisation in Northern Ireland that helps people access information and support about BRCA genetic mutations. 

Both formal and informal group meetings are held throughout the year. 

If you would like to speak to someone you can email info@brcani.co.uk or post a message on the BRCA Link NI Facebook page.

BRCA Umbrella is an online support forum for men and women with a hereditary risk of cancer.

For more details please email caroline.presho@brcaumbrella.org.uk.

Genetic Alliance is a charity working to improve the lives of patients and families affected by all types of genetic conditions.

For more information you can email contactus@geneticalliance.org.uk and call 020 7831 0883. 

A US-based group with a branch in Essex, UK, providing information and support for those affected by hereditary breast, ovarian and related cancers. Click here to find out more.

The ‘Someone Like Me’ Service matches people to others in a similar situation to theirs. Click here to find out more.

The Daisy Network provides support to women, along with their families and partners, who have been through a premature menopause. Provides a support network of people to talk to as well as information on HRT and assisted conception.

For more information please email info@daisynetwork.org.uk. 

Lynch Syndrome UK provides information and support for people with Lynch Syndrome, and raises public awareness of the condition. 

You can join their online support group here. 

Lynch Syndrome International (LSI) provides support for people affect by Lynch Syndrome, raises public awareness, and educates members of the general public and healthcare professionals about the condition.

Jnetics is a charity dedicated to improving the prevention, diagnosis and management of Jewish genetic disorders. They raise awareness and help anyone affected and at risk to access the best information, services and support available. To learn more about the charity email info@jnetics.org, and call Jnetics London on 020 8123 5022 or Jnetics Manchester on 0161 240 6240.

Menopause Support is a not for profit community interest company and the home of the national #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign, both founded by Diane Danzebrink. Menopause Support provides private support via telephone and video consultations, bespoke menopause training and support solutions for businesses and organisations and menopause training days for therapists and well-being professionals.

There are lots of free resources available on the website, plus details of the closed Facebook group, The Menopause Support Network.