Fortnightly support groups
Delivered primarily through Zoom for accessibility and safety, particularly for participants who are immunocompromised.
Why this matters
Support that reaches beyond the session.
A blood cancer and other blood disorder diagnosis can be one of the most isolating experiences a person ever goes through.
The shock of diagnosis, combined with the demands of treatment, can leave patients overwhelmed and cut off from the people and routines that once held life steady. Families often carry that isolation too.
KKLT offers a space where people can talk openly, connect with others who truly understand, receive practical help, and slowly regain a sense of stability.
The project has a particular focus on BAME communities, where cultural stigma, barriers to support and unequal access can add further weight to an already difficult journey.
0
people supported over five years
0
per session, online or in person
0
peer connection between sessions
The programme
A support model shaped by lived experience.
Co-designed with the community and still evolving through participant feedback – delivered through a blend of online and face-to-face support.
Monthly physical sessions
One additional session each month offers face-to-face interaction, activities and deeper social connection.
Support between sessions
Check-ins, coffee meet-ups, food voucher delivery and help with everyday tasks.
WhatsApp connection
Participants stay connected between sessions through the established WhatsApp group.
How it works
Flexible support that listens first.
Each 1.5-hour session opens with a check-in, giving participants space to share what they’re carrying before the group turns to the session’s topic.
When something more urgent surfaces, the group adapts. That keeps the programme responsive rather than rigid.
01
Check in
Participants share how they are feeling and what they need right now.
02
Explore the topic
Structured themes include emotional wellbeing, physical recovery and stress management.
03
Learn together
Specialist guests may co-facilitate focused discussions on selected topics.
04
Stay connected
Peer connection continues afterwards through the WhatsApp community.
Co-designed delivery
We listen. We adapt. We improve.
The programme has changed because participants told us what would work better for them.
- Weekly became fortnightlyA rhythm participants found more sustainable.
- Sessions settled at 1.5 hoursLong enough to go deep, short enough to manage fatigue.
- Shopping became vouchersFood support shifted to vouchers, giving people choice.
- In-person sessions were addedIntroduced after participants asked for more face-to-face connection.
Measuring impact
What we want to change.
Participant feedback helps assess changes in emotional wellbeing.
We assess whether people feel more connected and less alone.
We explore participants’ ability to manage treatment and overall health.
Attendance and engagement with online and in-person activities are monitored.
We monitor hospital partnerships and the referrals they generate.
Testimonials and participant stories help show the human impact of the project.
Referral pathways
Connecting clinical care with community support.
One of KKLT’s greatest challenges is reaching people soon after diagnosis – when support matters most.
The project therefore includes work to strengthen relationships with hospitals, NHS services, charities, churches and community organisations.
DKMS
African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust
Blood Cancer UK
BAME Voice
Hospital & NHS referral networks
This is the first time I’ve spoken about my diagnosis without fear or shame.Programme beneficiary feedback
faq.
The project supports people affected by blood cancers, sickle cell,other blood disorder’s and
their families, with a particular focus on culturally
sensitive support for BAME communities.
The core support group sessions are held fortnightly,
primarily through Zoom.
Each support group session is approximately 1.5 hours.
Yes. The programme includes one additional in-person
session each month.
Yes. Practical support includes one-to-one volunteer
support and food vouchers for participants facing
hardship.
Yes � participants can stay connected through KKLT’s
dedicated WhatsApp group.
No. KKLT’s wellbeing support personal wellbeing
and does not replace medical treatment or professional
healthcare services.