Support group rules
So that everyone has a safe and welcoming space to share their experiences, please follow the rules below. If you do not, you will be issued with a warning and may be asked to leave the group.
Leukaemia Care runs both online and in person support groups for people affected by leukaemia, MPN or MDS. These include groups for specific blood cancers and separate groups for carers, men only, and those going through loss and bereavement. Family, care partners and friends of people with a diagnosis of blood cancer are welcome at all our groups with or without your loved one.
Respect and kindness first
- Treat everyone with empathy and dignity.
- No judgment, criticism, or dismissive comments.
Confidentiality is essential
- What is shared in the group stays in the group.
- Do not share others’ stories outside the group without their permission.
Share, don't compare
- Everyone’s experience with blood cancer is different.
- Avoid statements like “you should be…” or “at least you’re…”
Listen actively
- Allow others to speak without interruption.
- Give space for quieter members to contribute.
- Take your turn and do not expect the meeting to focus just on you.
- Be mindful of people at different stages of their disease and how what you share may impact them.
Speak from your own experience
- Use “I” statements (e.g., “I felt…” rather than “You should…”).
- Avoid giving unsolicited advice.
Be mindful with medical advice
- Personal experiences are welcome, but don’t present advice as medical fact.
- Encourage people to consult their healthcare professionals for treatment decisions.
Emotional safety matters
- It’s okay to feel upset, scared, or overwhelmed.
- Avoid graphic or triggering descriptions unless the group agrees.
- Be mindful that people in the group may be at different stages – from just diagnosed, going through treatment, in remission, relapsed or experiencing late effects of treatment.
No pressure to share
- Participation is voluntary— you can speak or just listen.
- Use the chat function in an online meeting if you feel more comfortable asking questions that way – the group facilitator will raise them on your behalf.
Stay on topic
- Keep discussion relevant to living with or supporting someone with blood cancer.
- Do not “name and shame” healthcare professionals in the meeting. If you have concerns with your care, we can support you to raise them.
Be inclusive and supportive
- Respect differences in age, gender, background, treatment choices, and beliefs.
Practical boundaries
- Arrive on time. Anyone joining an online meeting after 10 minutes will not be admitted – it is disruptive to keep letting people in after a meeting has started.
- Put your camera on in online meetings – if you cannot, you must tell the facilitator otherwise you will be removed from the meeting.
- In online meetings, do not share personal details like your email, phone number or address in the chat. If you want to connect with a fellow member outside of the meeting, let us know and we can put you in touch if you both consent to it.
- Silence phones where possible.
- If you are attending an online group, mute yourself unless you are about to speak so background noise at your end does not distract people. Use the “raise hand” function on Zoom when you wish to say something.
- Use the chat function in Zoom in online groups to pose questions or share information – the group facilitator will use this to guide discussion.
Reach out if you need extra help
- The group is supportive, but not a replacement for professional care.
- Facilitators can help signpost you to additional support if needed.
Page last reviewed: 20 April 2026
Updated April 2026
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