Cancer Support France
Providing free, confidential support for all English-speaking people in France whose lives have been touched by cancer
Cancer Support France is a network of 13 volunteer associations all affiliated to Cancer Support France (National). Every association is independently registered in France with the common aim of providing free and confidential support to every English speaking person in France who is touched by cancer. This includes partners, family members and friends, support is not restricted to the patient and continues for as long as it is needed.
Cancer Support France began in the Poitou-Charente when its founder, Linda Shepherd, was struggling with her treatment. Discovering other English speakers also struggling, she started a regular coffee meeting in her home. The first CSF association was registered officially in 2002.
As more associations were created, the need for a national structure became apparent. Cancer Support France (National) was created with every association having a representative on the National Committee with a Bureau handling the day to day management.
All client support is provided through trained Active Listeners in local associations. Active Listeners follow a nationally approved Initial Training Course with regular local ongoing training. The type of support requested is wide ranging and may involve emotional support, language support, practical help with administration or information. Local associations may provide other support such as drop-in sessions, coffee mornings or events where a safe space is always available. Active Listeners and volunteers follow a strict Confidentiality Policy.
In 2015 National telephone and email helplines were launched with a free phone line and dedicated email address. These are staffed 365 days a year by a team of Active Listeners taken from across associations with a response within 24 hours. Many people are asking for information which is usually provided by the helpline team. Those needing ongoing support are passed to their local association and where there is no CSF association, support is provided through Active Listeners in other associations.
No one contacting CSF is left unsupported and where CSF cannot help, the caller is signposted to other sources of appropriate support.
In addition to the CSF website which has more details on CSF and its associations, there is also a CSF Forum. This provides an opportunity for people to connect with others as well as seek further information and support. And the quarterly CSF magazine, Touchlines, can be found on the website and forum as well.
