Living with secondary breast cancer? Ballymena event offers a chance to find support
Amy Wilson (Northern Trust), Alison Craig, (Northern Trust), Amanda Gordon (Breast Cancer Now) Lucy McClean, (Breast Cancer Now) and Moyra Mills, (Northern Trust) are encouraging anyone living with secondary breast cancer to come along to a coffee morning this month.
Saturday 14 November 2026
People living with secondary breast cancer are being invited to a Ballymena coffee morning where they can meet others with similar experiences and explore the support available through a local monthly group.
The event takes place on Friday 27 November, from 10.30am to 2pm, at Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre.
Anyone living with secondary breast cancer can attend, regardless of where they live.
Delivered in partnership by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and Breast Cancer Now, the group offers opportunities to share experiences, receive practical advice and access emotional support.
An informal introduction to the group
Visitors to the coffee morning can meet the facilitator, chat with current members and learn about future guest speakers and activities. Refreshments, a raffle and a session from Look Good Feel Better are also planned.
People attending can bring a friend or family member for the first 30 minutes to help them settle into the group environment.
Alison Craig, Macmillan Palliative Care Service Improvement Facilitator in the Northern Trust, said:
“Living with secondary breast cancer can bring many challenges, and support from people who understand your experience can make a real difference.”
She added:
“The coffee morning is an informal opportunity to come along, meet the facilitator, learn more about the group and see if it might be right for you. We would encourage anyone living with secondary breast cancer, regardless of where they live, to join us for a chat and find out more.”
Support for people facing similar experiences
The monthly group also hosts regular guest speakers who provide information on relevant topics alongside opportunities for members to talk and support one another.
Lucy McLean, Services Area Co-ordinator for Breast Cancer Now, said:
“We know that many people living with secondary breast cancer can feel isolated at times. Our support groups offer understanding, friendship and practical support from others who are facing similar experiences.”
She added:
“Whether you are newly diagnosed with secondary breast cancer or have been living with it for some time, we hope this coffee morning will help people discover the support available and feel reassured that they are not facing this journey alone.”
How to attend the Ballymena coffee morning
• Date and time: Friday 27 November 2026, 10.30am–2pm.
• Venue: Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre.
• Who can attend: Anyone living with secondary breast cancer, including people who live outside the Northern Trust area.
• Bringing someone: A friend or family member can accompany you for the first 30 minutes.
• Register your interest: Visit breastcancernow.org/Living-with-Ballymena or call 0345 077 1893.
Financial assistance with travel costs may also be available through Breast Cancer Now’s Access Fund.
There is no requirement to register in advance: people can simply drop in on the day, meet those involved and decide whether the monthly group could offer support that is right for them.
