Support Services
FACT offers a range of services for people diagnosed with cancer, their families, friends, and caregivers.
We also offer support to those undergoing tests and those affected by bereavement.
Please have a look at some of the services we offer and get in touch if you would like more information or can’t find what you are looking for.
If you would like someone to give you a call or, with their permission, arrange for us to call someone else, please use the button below.
Men’s Group
Our Men’s Group is an informal social group for men who have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer. They meet one evening a month at our centre in Gateshead which provides a relaxed environment. Sessions range from a cuppa & a catch up, to visiting speakers, activities and social events. This group is free to attend.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Women's Group
Our Women’s Group is friendly social group for women who have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer. They meet one evening a month at our centre in Gateshead which provides a relaxed, informal environment. Sessions range from a cuppa & a catch up, to visiting speakers, activities and social events. This group is free to attend.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Family Group
Our Family Group and events are open to families with members of all ages, including children & young people who have been affected by cancer and/or bereavement.
Within our family group session, which meets one evening a month, we provide break out opportunities for adults, young people and children to interact and socialise with their peers.
While adults have a chat and a cuppa, we organize on-site activities for the children and young people. We also have visiting speakers, events, trips and activities planned throughout the year. This group is free to attend and held at our centre in Gateshead.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Common Ground
Common Ground is a social space for young adults (18-40) navigating incurable or terminal cancer, where shared experiences and good company come naturally. Join us for relaxed get togethers including games nights, creative activities, hands-on workshops, food nights, and more. It’s a place to connect and unwind with people who truly understand. Currently meeting one evening a month and is free of charge to attend.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Counselling Support
Being affected by cancer can bring many difficult thoughts and emotions. You don’t have to face them alone.
FACT provides confidential counselling for adults, children, young people, family members, friends and carers who have been affected by cancer. Our experienced counsellors offer a safe and supportive space to talk and be heard.
Talking to someone outside your family or friendship circle can sometimes make things feel easier. Sessions are available face-to-face or online, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.
If you would like to access counselling through FACT, or to refer someone else with their permission, please complete our online referral form.
Support Groups
FACT delivers a wide range of support groups and activities – they are often given a social feel and can be found in our list of services under titles such as ‘Men’s Group’ or ‘Family Group’. If you can’t find what you are looking for, or have suggestions for a new group or service, please get in touch.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Coffee Mornings
We run weekly coffee mornings at our support centre in Gateshead where our beneficiaries, volunteers and supporters of all ages and backgrounds meet for a friendly catch up. This group is free to attend and refreshments are free of charge.
We also have other regular and adhoc coffee mornings running in other venues and locations across the North East
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Exercise Classes
We run regular fitness & exercise classes at our centre and in other locations across the North East that are designed to be accessible to a wide range of abilities of people, ranging from those who have or are currently undergoing treatment, who are finished treatment, as well as their families, friends and carers. Some of our classes also welcome members of the public. These sessions will help maintain mobility, increase stamina, improve muscular strength, and improve co-ordination and flexibility, to assist with everyday living and maintaining independence. The sessions are fun and relaxed and are accompanied by a cup of coffee/tea and a chat afterwards.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Mastectomy Wear
FACT runs mastectomy wear measuring and fitting services for those who have undergone breast surgery. We provide a range of mastectomy wear, prosthesis and bras which are available to order on site. To find our when our next session is please contact us.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Craft Groups & Activities
FACT runs a range of regular and occasional craft groups and events – everyone is welcome! With sessions such as Knit & Natter, Door Wreath Making, flower arranging, childrens sessions – there is something to suit everyone!
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Group Harmony
Group Harmony is a meditation session that focuses on clearing the mind using a variety of mental and physical techniques that are designed to help you relax and reduce stress and anxiety. Everyone is welcome. For more information or to book your place, please get in touch.
Please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Sound Baths
Sound Baths are meditative experiences that use a range of specially chosen instruments such as singing bowls, gongs, ocean and medicine drums, chimes etc. to create sounds and vibrations which facilitate relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
To book your place, please use this link – Sound Bath Bookings 2026
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Breast Reconstruction Advice
FACT offers breast reconstruction advice sessions that provide information regarding surgical options and processes, physical recovery implications, and the mental and emotional recovery process. We want to ensure that people have the correct and relevant knowledge to help them decide on any potential procedures.
To book your place at our next session, please use this link – Breast Reconstruction Advice Evening
Please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Wig Service
Hair loss and/or thinning is often one of the biggest worries people have in terms of cancer treatment side effects. Maintaining self-confidence and a positive body image significantly contributes to good overall mental health. FACT can provide a variety of wigs in a wide range of colours and styles and they are available to people who are experiencing hair loss / thinning due to any illness, not just cancer.
For more information please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Complimentary Therapies
FACT offers a range of complimentary therapies that are safe and suitable for people with and beyond their cancer diagnosis and treatment.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Cooking/Healthy Eating
We want to help individuals and families have a healthy balanced diet, enjoy cooking, learn new skills and recipies and cook on a budget. We focus on easy to plan/make, budget friendly recipes that can often be batch cooked. Our cooking demonstration sessions are fun, interactive, and suitable for all ages. At the end, beneficiaries receive a recipe card so they can cook what they made in the session at home.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Bereavement Support
If you or someone you know is going to be, or has been affected by bereavement, FACT is here to help. We have a wide range of services, groups and activities for all ages.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Children’s Support Services
Here at FACT we support children and families affected by cancer. We provide a range of groups, activites and services for children & young people. They range from social events and activities, support groups and counselling.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Kindness Kits
FACT provides Kindness Kits to people and families affected by cancer. They can contain essential food, clothes, toiletries, and household products as well as bespoke items specific to individual needs.
These can be collected from our centre or delivered to homes. This service is key in supporting our beneficiaries given the extent of the current cost-of-living crisis. A Kindness Kit can be requested as a ‘one off’ during a particularly challenging time, or as a form of regular ongoing support.
To request a Kindness kit, please use this link Request A Kindness Kit.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Christmas Kindness Kits
FACT provides Christmas Kindness Kits to people and families affected by cancer. They can contain Christmas food, treats, and gifts.
These can be collected from our centre or delivered to homes.
To request a Christmas Kindness Kit, please use this link Request A Christmas Kindness Kit.
For more information, please click the button at the top of this page for a call back.
Befriending Telephone Calls
Our befriender call service offers a friendly, compassionate connection for anyone affected by cancer who may be feeling isolated or overwhelmed. Through regular, informal conversations, individuals have the opportunity to talk openly, share their thoughts, and feel truly heard. Our befrienders provide a warm, non-judgemental listening ear, helping to create a sense of comfort and trust. While this is not a counselling service, it offers meaningful social support that can complement other forms of care. Many people find that these calls help reduce feelings of loneliness and bring a sense of routine and reassurance. Above all, it reminds individuals that they are not facing this experience alone.
To request befriending calls for you or someone else, please use this form.
Get Involved and
make a difference
There are numerous ways to get involved with FACT. If you would like to get involved please call us on 0191 442 0833, or click the button below to learn more about different ways to get involved and sign up to make a big difference.
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