The Hull FC Community Foundation is excited to announce the launch of ‘Unity’, a transformative new project aimed at supporting men living with cancer.
In partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and National Lottery Community Fund, the new project supports men living with cancer by inviting them into a welcoming space where they can connect, share experiences, and access practical and emotional support.
This initiative, funded by a National Lottery Community Fund grant, will run over two years, offering weekly two-hour support sessions at the University of Hull.
Inspired by the voices and lived experiences of those it seeks to support, ‘Unity’ will empower men with cancer to feel less isolated, more connected, and better equipped to manage the challenges associated with living with cancer. The project aims to improve mental and emotional wellbeing, reduce feelings of loneliness, and enhance access to community services.
The support sessions will be led by qualified wellbeing facilitators and will adopt a participant-led approach, allowing attendees to choose what they want to participate in each week.
Following consultations with potential beneficiaries, the programme will offer a range of activities designed to meet both the emotional and physical needs of participants:
- Group Conversations: A safe space for men to share personal stories about living with cancer, including treatment experiences, coping strategies, and the impact on family and work life.
- Social Activities: Board games, traditional pub games (such as darts), and quizzes to foster new social connections among peers with shared life experiences.
- Physical Activity: Intensity-appropriate activities like mindfulness walks, designed to improve physical wellbeing and offer a calming, stress-relieving experience. There will also be access to a sports hall to enjoy a variety of sport activities.
- Mental and Emotional Resilience: Activities focused on building mental resilience, teaching techniques for managing mental health, coping skills, and stress management.
- One-to-One Support: Access to dedicated support from Macmillan Cancer Support volunteers, providing tailored guidance and advice on navigating cancer care and emotional challenges.
Maisie Malton, Head of Programmes at Hull FC Community Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for the new project:
“Unity is more than just a support group – it’s a community. We’ve heard from men living with cancer that one of the biggest challenges they face is the feeling of being isolated or misunderstood. With this project, we aim to break down those barriers, offering not just practical help, but emotional support that empowers them to navigate their cancer journey. We are so proud to be working alongside Macmillan Cancer Support to create a space where these men can share, connect, and ultimately feel stronger together.”
Jasmine Render, Health and Wellbeing Lead at Hull FC Community Foundation, added:
“Cancer affects not only the individual but also their family, friends, and colleagues. Unity aims to support the whole person – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Through this project, we are fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging resilience, and creating new connections that go beyond just cancer treatment. It’s about helping men live well while living with cancer, and we’re honoured to be part of that journey with them.”
‘Unity’ will provide a unique opportunity for men living with cancer to build meaningful relationships with others who truly understand their experience. The project recognizes the importance of addressing mental health, social isolation, and the long-term impact of cancer on a person’s overall wellbeing.
Weekly sessions will be held weekly at the University of Hull, with participants encouraged to drop in for the activities that suit their needs and interests.