1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime, yet many people across the parliamentary community still navigate a diagnosis quietly and alone.
The Parliamentary Working Through Cancer Network exists to ensure no one has to face that journey by themselves. We provide a safe space for anyone in the parliamentary estate affected by cancer, whether as a patient, a carer supporting a loved one, a colleague, or a line manager.
What we do:
Practical Peer Support: We are developing a confidential peer-to-peer buddying system connecting individuals with shared lived experiences.
Resources & Guidance: We provide clear guidance, information, and tools to help line managers confidently navigate employment policies, workplace adjustments and phased returns to work.
Regular Events: We host regular hybrid events, discussions and informative sessions to raise awareness and foster a supportive workplace culture. This includes high-profile discussions, such as our recent event with Wes Streeting, where he shared his personal experiences of navigating a cancer diagnosis while working in politics.
Get Involved
Whether you need support, want to volunteer as a buddy, or simply wish to champion our work, everyone is welcome.
Time: 14:15 – 15:15 Date: Thursday 9 July 2026 Location: Online and PCH Open to: parliamentary staff Information/booking: dan.horrocks@parliament.uk
You are warmly invited to the next Working Through Cancer Network event where you can hear more about the purpose of the network, the support we are building and how to get involved.
We are delighted that The Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, will be joining us to speak about his personal experience of cancer, the challenges of balancing treatment with public life and the insights he has gained from navigating a cancer diagnosis whilst serving in one of the most senior roles in Government.
About the Network The Working Through Cancer Network exists to support parliamentary staff and others affected by cancer — whether as a patient, carer, line manager, or colleague. We are also developing practical support, including a buddy system and guidance for navigating the help available in Parliament.
RSVP If you’re planning to attend, in person or online, please RSVP to dan.horrocks@parliament.uk so we can get an idea of numbers.
We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a thoughtful and inspiring discussion.
A cross-party group of staffers, is hosting a small, informal launch on Thursday 12 March (drop in 9.30–11am) in the Jubilee Room. It will be a chance for both Members and their staff to hear first-hand experiences and understand what we are hoping to achieve.
1 in 2 of us will be affected by cancer – yet many people in Parliament are still working through it quietly and alone.
We hope the network will :
offer practical support
develop resources and information
provide a safe, confidential space for anyone in our parliamentary community who is affected, directly or as a loved one’s carer through a buddying system.
Our immediate focus is to:
Encourage colleagues to join
Help line managers recognise the value of the network
Equip supporters to champion it more widely
What we’re asking today is simple:
Add the Network’s Launch event to your diary right away!
Share this invite with colleagues and WhatsApp groups so people know where to turn before they need it.
Come along to support us and find out more…
If you can’t attend, let us know that you support the network and would like to hear more.
