LJMU Cancer Support Ambassadors
Purpose
Since November 2025, LJMU has started building a network of 20 trained Cancer Support Ambassadors to support those in our university community, staff and students, affected by cancer either directly or indirectly.
Ambassadors completed training through the charity Cancer Support UK for their role, which is to listen, offer emotional support and signpost to relevant resources.
How a Cancer Support Ambassador can support you and how to contact one
Anyone impacted by cancer in some way can request to connect with an ambassador. Ambassadors support you through informal, one-to-one conversations according to how it is most convenient for you, on the phone, in-person or online.
Ambassadors are active and compassionate listeners who uphold confidentiality. Talking to someone can often help you make sense of what you are facing and feel less isolated or alone.
Also, you can meet ambassadors at the Cancer Cafés, hosted by the Network about four times per academic year. These are friendly, safe spaces with relevant guest speakers aimed to contribute to breaking down any perceived stigma associated with talking about cancer.
To connect with an ambassador, please fill in the brief referral form.
If you have any questions, please email cancersupport@ljmu.ac.uk.
Our Cancer Support Ambassadors
Ambassadors are empathetic and compassionate people in our LJMU community. They are both academic and professional services staff and students across our faculties and campuses who have volunteered for this role.
They all have lived experiences of having had cancer or living with cancer, caring for someone with cancer and/or having lost someone to cancer.
The Cancer Support Ambassador Network aligns with LJMU's commitment to providing an environment where people feel supported to work or study whilst living well with cancer or caring for someone with cancer (see the university’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy).
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Talking with an ambassador is not considered counselling or coaching; it complements any other formal wellbeing services you may be undergoing.
Staff can use the Vivup EAP service to speak to a trained counsellor 24/7, 365 days a year.
To access the support line, call 0330 380 0658 and mention you are LJMU staff or visit the Vivup website.
