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The cancer support course

Accredited by the National Open College Network, this course was developed by Macmillan Cancer Support to offer training to anyone who supports people affected by cancer.

The National Open College Network is one of the largest awarding bodies in the UK. It provides qualifications in a wide range of subject areas to adult learners. Many of these adult learners are people who find traditional qualifications inaccessible or inappropriate.


The Cancer Support Course is made up of five units:


1. Effective communication skills to support people affected by cancer:

  • different methods of communication
  • understanding confidentiality issues
  • basic listening and responding skills.

2. Introduction to counselling skills:

  • advanced listening skills
  • basic theoretical models for using counselling skills
  • understanding listing skills

3. Working with loss and bereavement:

  • understanding the meaning of loss
  • understanding the impact of loss on people affected by cancer
  • using skills to support people who are bereaves

4. Cancer Awareness:

  • understanding what cancer is
  • the main cancer treatments
  • palliative care

5. Health hand well being:

  • the use of complementary therapies
  • stress management
  • first aid

The Cancer Support Course also offers some option units that can be taken as individual credits. These are:


1. Support for people affected by cancer:

  • financial
  • practical
  • emotional

2. Good practice for cancer support groups:

  • Developing clear aims and objectives
  • How to deal with difficult situations
  • Working with health professionals

3. Skills for user involvement:

  • How to be an effective user representative
  • Presenting you case
  • Developing assertiveness skills

Timing and assessment

Learners must produce a portfolio for each unit to gain credits, which are awarded by the National Open College Network. Each unit involves four days of shared learning within a group. To be awarded a certificate, learners have to complete five units.

Practical experience

To develop practical skills, learners are required to spend 10 hours per unit in an organisation that supports people affected by cancer


For further information, please contact the Training Projects Administrator on 0207 091 2008, or email csc@macmillan.org.uk.