In-Person Support Groups
Connect with people who understand
Our friendly, welcoming support groups bring together people who have experienced, or are considering, breast reconstruction.
They provide an opportunity to meet others, share experiences, ask questions and feel part of a supportive community. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey, recovering from surgery or many years beyond reconstruction, you are welcome.
Our support is also available to people who are considering breast reconstruction following a hereditary or genetic breast cancer risk, including those who have been identified as carrying a gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. You do not need to have had breast cancer to access our support.
Friends, family members, partners and carers are also very welcome to come along.
What happens at our groups?
Each group is different, but meetings may include:
- Informal peer support and conversation
- Opportunities to meet others with shared experiences
- Practical information and guidance
- Guest speakers on topics relevant to breast reconstruction and recovery
- Wellbeing activities and opportunities to connect
- ‘Show & Tell’ sessions
We regularly invite specialist speakers to our groups, covering topics such as lymphoedema, scar therapy, rehabilitation, wellbeing and other areas that can support recovery and life beyond surgery.
Show & Tell Sessions
Many of our groups also include our popular Show & Tell sessions.
These sessions give you the opportunity to see and hear about different types of breast reconstruction from people who have experienced them first-hand.
Our volunteers share their personal experiences openly and honestly, helping to bring information to life and provide a realistic insight into different reconstruction journeys.
Show & Tell sessions can help you:
- Understand more about different reconstruction options
- Hear honest experiences of surgery and recovery
- See real results and outcomes
- Ask questions in a supportive environment
- Feel more informed when talking to your clinical team
You are never under any pressure to share your own experience. You can simply come along, listen and connect with others.
Everyone is welcome
You do not have to attend alone. We understand that breast reconstruction can affect those close to you too, and friends, partners, family members and carers are always welcome at our groups.
Find a group near you
Our in-person support groups take place in locations across the UK and are run by experienced Keeping Abreast volunteers.
Bristol & Bath Support Group
Where: The Fear Hall, 30 High Street, Keynsham, Bristol , BS31 1DQ
When: Thursdays (Monthly) 6pm to 7.30pm
Click here to find out more about our Bristol & Bath Group
Cheltenham Support Group
Where: Maggie's, The Lodge, College Baths Rd, Cheltenham, GL53 7QB
When: Saturdays (Monthly) 10.15am for 10.30am start - until midday
Click here to find out more about our Cheltenham Group
Gorleston Support – at the Macmillan Coffee, Cake & Natter
Where: Louise Hamilton Centre, James Paget University Hospital, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth, NR31 6LA
When: Thursdays (Monthly) 10am to midday
Click here to find out more about our Gorleston Support
Herts & Beds Support Group
Where: Knebworth Village Hall , Park Lane , Knebworth , SG3 6PD
When: Thursdays (Monthly) 7pm to 9pm
Click here to find out more about our Herts & Beds Group
Leicester Support Group
Where: Sue Young Cancer Support in Leicestershire & Rutland (previously Helen Webb House), 35 Westleigh Road, Leicester, LE3 0HH
When: Mondays (Monthly) 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Click here to find out more about our Leicester Group
Norwich Support Group
Where: Patteson Parish Room, 13 Newmarket Road, Cringleford, Norwich, NR4 6UE
When: Mondays (Monthly) 7.15pm to 9pm
Click here to find out more about our Norwich Group
Plymouth Support Group
Where: The Alf Wright Lounge , Harewood House , The Ridgeway , Plympton , Devon , PL7 2AS
When: Thursdays (Monthly) 7pm to 9pm
Click here to find out more about our Plymouth Group
Stalham Support Group
Where: The Swan Inn, 90 High Street, Stalham, Norwich, NR12 9AU
When: Wednesdays (Monthly) 11am to midday
Click here to find out more about our Stalham Group
Wymondham Support Group
Where: Star Throwers , 30 Melton Road , Wymondham, NR18 0DB
When: Wednesdays (Monthly) 2pm to 4pm
Click here to find out more about our Wymondham Group
Find out more. Get in touch...
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About Us
Keeping Abreast was established in September 2007 by patients Anna Beckingham and Beverley Birritteri and Breast Reconstruction nurse specialist Ruth Harcourt. They recognised a great need for women, both newly diagnosed with breast cancer and facing the possibility of mastectomy, and also women further down the line who are also considering reconstructive surgery, to be able to meet and talk to other women who have been through similar experiences. This allows women make an informed choice about whether or not to proceed with breast reconstruction.
© 2025 © Keeping Abreast Breast Cancer Reconstruction Support Group, registered charity number: 1129522. Registered office: M&A Partners, 7 The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DJ