Related Links

There are a wide range of charities, organisations and support groups across the country which can offer help and advice to patients or survivors of Head and Neck Cancer.

We have listed a number of these below for your information. The list is not exhaustive - if you think there is another organisation or group that we should include, please get in touch to let us know. HANCUK are not responsible for the content or functioning of the organisations or websites listed on this page.

UK National charities and organisations

These National Charities provide help, information and support across the country and can be contacted through their websites.

Maggie's provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends. They have 21 centres around the UK and abroad. They offer personal and group support in a 'round a kitchen table' like environment.

Visit Maggie's Centres Website

Macmillan Cancer Support provide information and support for all types of Cancer. They offer a wide-range of services and have excellent information on their website covering symptoms and diagnosis of different types of Cancer.

Visit Macmillan Cancer Support Website

Cancer Research UK are a long established national cancer charity dealing with all types of Cancer. Through their fundraising they fund Cancer research as well as offering information and support to patients, carers and survivors.

Visit Cancer Research UK Website

Saving Faces is a Facial Surgery Research Foundation formed in 2000 and dedicated to education to reduce the incidence of facial injuries, disorders and diseases, including oral cancer. Saving Faces also manages three national audits, including the National Head and Neck Cancer Audit (HANA) for England and Wales.

Visit Saving Faces Website

Heads2gether supports patients and their families/friends through diagnosis, treatment and recovery from Head & Neck Cancer. Regional meetings (usually held in Oxford, Reading, Swindon, Nottingham, Warrington and London Hammersmith) are currently consolidated into a fortnightly Zoom meeting.

Visit Heads2Gether Website

Regional support organisations

The organisations and groups listed below specifically target their support in certain UK geographical locations. You can click on the 'Open a Map' button below to see which group may be closest to you.

The Northern Head & Neck Cancer Charity was founded by relatives of a former patient in 2013. They cover a geographical area in the North East of England which includes Northumberland, Tyneside, Wearside, Teeside, County Durham and Cumbria.

Visit Northern Head & Neck Cancer Charity Website

The Swallows is a Head & Neck Cancer support group that offers 24/7 support to patients, survivors and carers. Based in Blackpool, it has links across the UK and worldwide. They organises regular meetings, social events and conferences.

Visit The Swallows Website

The Crokus Club is a Peterborough-based support group for patients and their families. They hold quarterly meetings and have 'buddying' systems for patients. They cover Cambridgeshire, Rutland, Norfolk, Northants and areas of Lincolnshire.

Visit Crokus Club Website

HNChelp hold group meetings and work with other support groups. They cover North Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and parts of Lincolnshire.

Visit HNChelp Website

Heads Up hold weekly group meetings and also offer individual support and an information hub. They cover all of Scotland as part of Cancer Support Scotland.

Visit Heads Up Website

FaceUp Cymru hold bi-monthly meetings and links to other support groups and cancer charities. They are based in South East Wales.

Visit FaceUp Website

HANC is a group set up by nursing staff, hoping to support patients with Head and Neck cancers by raising funds, holding events and providing information and support.

Visit HANC Website

Get A-Head is a well established support group created 25 years ago, providing patient support and information. They awards grants for research into Head and Neck Cancer and survivorship. They cover Birmingham & the West Midlands

Visit Get A-Head Website

Headstart is a local support group for cancer patients, family and carers in Kent and Sussex. They run a variety of social events and provide support at bi-monthly meetings in Medway.

Visit Headstart Website

The Croakies are a local support group run by MacMillan nurses at The Bradford Cancer Support Centre, covering Bradford and the local area.

Visit The Croakies Website

The Head Cases are a local support group with access to medical professionals. The group is supported and run by MacMillan nurses, covering the Staffordshire area.

Visit Head Cases Website

Monthly support group for anyone affected by Head & Neck Cancer. You will have the chance to talk, share experiences and ask questions.

Visit UCL Website

Support Group for Head & Neck Cancer Patients & Carers in Merseyside and Cheshire. Meet on a regular basis to chat, share experiences and support each other. Please contact mikemcgovern54@aol.com for information. HaNC also run a Patient Research Forum - contact Austin Kirwan for details.

Online communities

There are a number of online-only communities supporting patients, carers and survivors of Head & Neck Cancer.

Visit Mouth Cancer Foundation Website

Visit The Head & Neck Cancer Alliance Website