Virtual Support Groups

Our virtual, video chat groups can be accessed online via your desk or laptop computer, mobile device or by telephone. These virtual support group meetings are currently conducted on the GoToMeeting platform; to learn how to join, click here.

AnCan currently offers 30+ virtual groups and events monthly on a drop-in and free basis, no commitment! AND we’ve been doing this long before you ever heard of Covid. We were amongst the first to create a virtual group platform in 2011 with conference calls, and the first to establish a video platform in 2015

We are a volunteer organization with a handful of paid staff. All our events are free, and all  groups are free and drop-in. AnCan has limited capacity to provide one-one-one navigation. If we do, it is provided by volunteer peer mentors. Out of respect for their time, we request a donation in an amount you see fit. No one is turned away.

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Why are AnCan Support Groups different?

All our groups are peer moderated – you might find a professional or two present, but they are there as peers!

We train all our Moderators in AnCan ways …. what we consider ‘best practices‘!

  • AnCan does not mix education with support – some people want to listen to a presentation, others need support. Mix the two and there is not enough time for either – and guarantied unhappy customers!
  • AnCan prioritizes new participants – if they want to be ….. new group members are as important as folks who have been with us years. You’re not dropping in to an exclusive clique but are welcomed with open arms
  • AnCan minimizes check-ins … we know you don’t want to sit through a series of one-on-one interviews wondering when your turn will come. Rather, we ask individually if you need time to talk – and we get to you.
  • AnCan asks each particpant individually if they need time in our meeting –  we get better response and participation than throwing out a general request
  • AnCan encourages participants to support and speak to each other – we want all the virtual room to participate. That’s what makes for the best support group meetings.

Not everyone agrees with us …. but that’s why not all groups run as smoothly as AnCan’s and why they don’t deliver such great peer support!

AnCan also loves to collaborate – here are some of our support group partners:

  • Our Blood Cancers Group partners with Kicking Cancer in Heels
  • Our Multiple Sclerosis Group is endorsed by the MS Foundation and the National MS Society
  • Our Visual Snow Syndrome Group partners with Visual Snow Initiative
  • Our Veterans Groups partner with VPCa
  • Our pancreas cancer group is endorsed by The Hirshberg Foundation
  • Our Ramsay Hunt Syndrome group partners with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Foundation
  • We are seeking a partner for a Women’s Breast Cancer Group – if interested, please e-mail info@ancan.org
  • We are seeking a partner for a GYN Cancer Group – if interested, please e-mail info@ancan.org

If you are interested in hosting a virtual group for any chronic or serious condition, common or rare, and can find others to join, AnCan will support you to set up your own virtual group at no cost. Contact us at info@ancan.org.