Talking to someone who’s been there: getting to know our One-to-One Peer Support volunteers

For many people facing prostate cancer, speaking to someone who’s had similar experiences can make all the difference. Last year, our One-to-One Peer Support volunteers made 527 telephone support calls, offering something uniquely powerful: the chance to speak to someone who has been there.

That personal experience sits at the heart of our service. It’s not unusual to feel hesitant about speaking to a volunteer at a time when you may be feeling extremely vulnerable. But whether you’re weighing up your treatment options, trying to understand what lies ahead, coping with side effects or supporting a loved one, there’s no substitute for hearing from someone who’s faced something similar.

With 65 volunteers bringing a wide range of experience, we can match you as closely as possible to someone who understands your situation and can put you at ease. A friendly conversation on the phone is often enough to provide reassurance, clarity and a sense of connection when it’s needed most.

To understand what makes the service so valuable, we spoke to Andy Clarke, one of our longest-serving volunteers, about the calls he makes to support men and loved ones.

When we spoke to Andy, he described the small rituals and quiet responsibilities that come with each referral and the importance of making every call count.

My mobile phone is ringing. I check the screen. ‘Maybe Hannah Harrison’, it tells me. This is usually my first indication that I’m being offered a One-to-One Support referral from Hannah, the Peer Support Officer at Prostate Cancer UK

When I was working, I had pens and paper at my fingertips, but since I retired, I have to scurry around looking for them.

This part of the referral is easy. Hannah provides me with the person’s name, age and phone number, along with brief details of their prostate cancer journey so far.

Around 75% of the calls are new referrals from the team at Prostate Cancer UK. The remaining 25% are usually catch-ups with people I’ve chatted with before but haven’t spoken to for a while.

Making the call

Once I’ve received the referral, I decide when to make the call based on when the person is available.

I usually like to make the call as soon as possible after I’ve received the referral. I know from personal experience how horrible it is having to make up your mind which treatment option to take. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly but you want to make it as soon as possible.

When preparing to make the call, I make sure that I have everything I need close to hand. This includes the details of the person I’m about to call, a pen and a copy of the latest publications catalogue. This makes it easier to find any written information I may mention in the call.

The calls themselves can vary in length. Some take only 10 minutes, but I’ve also had them last well over an hour. A lot depends on the individual; some people are very level-headed and have made up their mind on their chosen treatment option before you call. Others want to know every single detail about how my treatment choices affected me and how it may impact them. Who can blame them? It’s a major life choice they’re being asked to make.

Support after the call

Depending on how the Service User is during the call, I sometimes suggest that I call back in a few weeks. This is usually after they’ve had a follow-up appointment with their consultant. At this point, they may have more information to discuss.

I always end a call by wishing them good luck with their decision and my best wishes that their treatment is a success.

Taken together, careful matching from the Peer Support Team and Andy’s thoughtful calls reveal what makes the one-to-one peer support so effective: it’s practical, personal and grounded in real experience. At a time when people may be facing uncertainty, difficult decisions and the effects of treatment, that kind of connection can be invaluable.

If you’d like to connect with someone who’s faced similar experiences with prostate cancer, our One-to-One Peer Support volunteers are here to help. Whatever your situation - before or after treatment or if you are supporting someone with prostate cancer, you can get in touch. Complete our contact form.

We aren’t currently recruiting volunteers for our One-to-One Peer Support Service, but please visit our VolunteerHUB to stay informed about future opportunities if you want to share your experience.