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Buddy Service

Many people with lymphoma, and those close to them such as family members, carers and friends, find it useful to talk to someone who’s been through a similar experience to them. Our peer-support Buddy Service links people to Buddies who have similar, lived experience of lymphoma.

Male and female on the phone offering support

Who can use the Buddy Service?

Our Buddy Service is available to anyone, aged 18 or over, affected by lymphoma. This includes people who have or have had lymphoma, and to family, friends and carers.

The service offers support and an opportunity to speak to someone with lived experience of lymphoma. Our Buddies may have the same type of lymphoma as you, and often will have had treatment similar to the treatment you have had, or may be about to have. They may also have similar lifestyle experiences as you. Some of our Buddies are family members or carers, and so we offer this service to you if you are a family member or carer of someone with lymphoma.

Our Buddies offer you empathy and understanding, sharing experiences and a listening ear.

 
It was quite a scary time for me, I didn't even know what lymphoma was when I was diagnosed. I reached out to Lymphoma Action and they put me in touch with someone who had 'been there', I spoke to my Buddy on the phone and got to ask all of the questions on my mind. It was reassuring that she was much further along in her journey and that gave me hope. That conversation was so powerful in helping me face what was ahead of me. 
Clare, Buddy Service user

What the service offers (and doesn't offer)

The following explains what the service offers (and doesn’t offer) so that you can decide whether the service is right for you. When you apply for a Buddy through our helpline we will talk you through our Buddy Service Terms of Service so that you know what to expect.

What the Buddy Service offers  

  • Buddies offer peer support and an opportunity to speak to someone who has been through a closely-matched experience to you, to share your experiences with. 
  • We match you based on experiences (not geographically - Buddies come from all over the country).
  • It is a short-term arrangement. Although it can vary from one person to another depending on the situation, we usually suggest that you can contact your Buddy up to six times or over a period of three months.
  • You can contact your Buddy by email or phone, on a one-to-one basis.
  • All of our Buddies have been through a recruitment process, including giving references. They are also trained so you can feel confident that they’ll support you in the best way they can. 
  • The service is for you if you are aged 18 or over, living in the UK and have either been diagnosed with lymphoma or know someone who has (for example, you are a family member or carer for someone with lymphoma).
  • We share only limited details about you with your potential Buddy - your name, your condition and what you’d like to talk about. And we’ll tell you a little about them too, and why we’ve matched you with them.
  • We do our best to find a suitable Buddy for you, however this isn’t always possible.
  • It can take a few weeks to find a suitable match for you.

What the Buddy Service doesn’t offer

  • The service is not a long-term arrangement or on-going relationship. It is not a befriending or ‘friendship’ service. 
  • The service is not a counselling or therapy service, and our buddies are not counsellors.
  • Our buddies are not able to give you advice. They are not medically trained and cannot give medical advice. We suggest that you speak to your own medical team about any medical questions you have. 
  • The service is not available to residents outside of the UK or anyone under the age of 18.
  • Buddies are not able to meet you in person, or contact you outside of the Buddy Service.

How do I get in touch with a Buddy?

If you would like a buddy please call our helpline on (freephone) 0808 808 5555 between 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday. We will talk you through the service, and about your lymphoma so that we can understand what you are looking for, and look for the right buddy for you.

You will need to call the helpline yourself (someone can't do this for you) as we need to understand your situation and what you are looking for. You cannot apply on behalf of someone else, but they are welcome to apply for a buddy themselves by calling the helpline.

Please be aware that it can take a few weeks for us to find a suitable Buddy and put you in contact.