THE CHESTNUT APPEAL

Support for You.

Support groups, Survivorship Guide, and respite available for men and their families.

Thanks to our donors, we fund lifesaving equipment and medical staff – but also provide support for men dealing with cancer. Scroll to find out more about our support groups, download a FREE PDF of our Survivorship Guide, or find out more about the Holiday Home.

Download the FREE Survivorship Guide

The Healing, Surviving & Thriving book addresses a critical gap in cancer care. While plenty of literature and support is offered at the point of diagnosis, cancer patients often feel they fall off a ‘cliff edge’ of support when their treatment has finished. 
 
The book guides patients through all parts of their cancer journey, with particular emphasis on supporting those who have finished clinical treatment. It’s been designed to help male cancer patients to thrive, not just survive. 
 
It includes information on communication with family and friends, sexual side effects of cancer treatment, and healthy living to support recovery. It also features powerful stories from men living with and beyond cancer, offering reassurance and insight from those who have walked a similar path.
 
If you would like a FREE paperback, we produce small print runs when funds allow, we might be able to help you. Please get in touch here.

Support Groups

Our support groups are totally free of charge. The aim of the meetings is to support each other. It’s a patient-led support group, so you tell us what you need and we’ll be there to help you for as long as you need.

It’s also a great opportunity to meet other people from across the region who are going through, or have gone through the same procedures as you.

Our support is open to patients, family and friends. Anyone who wants to gain knowledge and access our support is very welcome.

All are welcome – view upcoming meetings below.

July Plymouth Support Group Meeting

Thursday 30th July at 18.00

Crownhill Methodist Church PL6 5AG

All are welcome. Refreshments and biscuits provided free

Parking Up to 3 hours FREE in the Alexandra Road Crownhill shoppers car park PL6 5AE at the side and rear of the church. Even though parking is free you still need to obtain a ticket from the machine. There are two electrical charging points available. The Hall is around the back of the Church – entrance from the car park 

The meetings are patient led and are a great opportunity to meet other people across the area who are going through or have gone through the same procedures as you.

The support group is open to patients, family and friends

For more information contact David at chestnut.events@nhs.net

Cornwall Support Group 3rd August

We’re launching a new support group in Cornwall to help even more people affected by cancer.  As always, the group is open to everyone – patients, family, friends.

The support groups are patient-led, and a fantastic chance to meet other local people who’ve walked a similar path.

2pm-4pm, first Monday of each month

The Halfway House, Polbathic (PL11 3EY)

We’ll be meeting in the restaurant side of the pub – just go right as you come into the front door. Free roadside parking can be found alongside the pub.

A big thank you to pub landlord Lloyd Halliday, who’s kindly offered us free use of this warm, welcoming space.

Future meetings:

For more information contact David at chestnut.events@nhs.net

Trip to The Box

ENJOY GLORIOUS ART AND HAVE FUN AT THE MUSEUM OF THE YEAR!!!

Firstly, the epic and iconic work of Gillian Ayres (1930-2018).  A formidable and brilliant artist who came of age in a post-war British art world that was dominated by men. She remained entirely faithful to painting as it went in and out of fashion and the huge vibrant works she produced are a testament to her fearless and unwavering commitment.

Secondly, did you know that Number 10 collects art!  Come and see a powerful series of works from the Government Art Collection, one of the world’s largest and most significant collections of British and British related art, in an ambitious display organised around the themes of Belonging, Memory and Connection.

This wonderful tour is rounded off by a workshop with artist Azza Gasim where you will experiment with abstract art.  Have fun producing a vibrant abstract painting for your home, exploring how colour, shape and composition can work together to create expressive, energetic artworks.  Suitable for Beginners.

For more information contact David at chestnut.events@nhs.net

Out & About 2026

It’s through your donations, that we can offer some fully funded day trips as part of the Plymouth Support Group activities.

More information about this trips to follow in the coming weeks, in the mean time, any suggestions on where YOU would like to visit please let us know by emailing.

Trying to make living with a cancer diagnosis that bit better for patients and families alike.

Just email David chestnut.events@nhs.net with any Out & About suggestions!

For more information contact David at chestnut.events@nhs.net

Stay free of charge at our Holiday Home

If you live in Devon & Cornwall, have been newly diagnosed, going through treatment, or just finished your treatment and would appreciate a relaxing week’s break in the charity’s holiday home, free of charge? Stay at the Tregoad Holiday Park – near Looe. 

In Cornwall? Contact Steph

Steph Holman is a dedicated member of staff based in Cornwall, focused on raising awareness of the charity’s work in the county and the three male cancers; Prostate, Testicular and Penile cancers, as well as raising funds that will stay in Cornwall to help develop provision for the men of the county.

You can reach Steph by emailing s.holman3@nhs.net

Other Charities and Support Groups

Testicular cancer
There are lots of organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with testicular cancer and its treatment.
Visit website >>

Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses:
Whether you’ve been diagnosed or have concerns about prostate cancer, our Specialist Nurses are here to support you and answer your questions by phone or email. Visit website >>

The first penile cancer patient support group in the UK is here: Visit website >>

The Chestnut Unit

Explore the purpose-built building at Derriford Hospital thatour charity helped fund with your donations.

Explore our events

Our fundraiaing events are part of The chestnut Appeal community and a great way to get involved.

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