Become a Treatment Decision Buddy

When someone is newly diagnosed with prostate cancer, the decisions ahead can feel overwhelming. We’re looking for people who can help with that. 

Help others as a Treatment Decision Buddy

As a Treatment Decision Buddy, you’ll be that steady, understanding voice offering One-to-One prostate cancer support. Helping men, trans women and their loved ones explore treatment options and make confident, informed choices. 

If you’re living with or have been affected by prostate cancer, this could be your chance to turn your lived experience into someone else’s lifeline.

What does a
Treatment Decision Buddy do?

As a Treatment Decision Buddy, you’ll provide trusted treatment decision support to men facing prostate cancer.

What to Expect

Comprehensive training in coaching skills, safeguarding, and communication.
Continuous development and learning with other Treatment Decision
Buddies.
The personal reward of helping others make empowered, informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Treatment Decision Buddy do?

Treatment Decision Buddies support men and trans women who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Using  their own lived experience and listening skills, they provide a safe, non-judgemental space for  others to explore treatment options and concerns. They do not offer medical advice or tell others what to do. 

No. Full training is provided. We’re looking for people with lived experience of prostate cancer who are good listeners, empathetic, and comfortable talking about their own journey.

  • The training takes place over two days and includes interactive sessions on: 
  • Listening and questioning techniques. 
  • Coaching models like GROW. 
  • Understanding how people make decisions. 
  • Exploring unconscious bias and safeguarding. 
  • Signposting to trusted resources and support.
  • You’ll also practise real-life conversations in a supportive environment.

No. The training is free of charge and includes materials, refreshments, and ongoing support. We will reimburse your travel costs and if you live more than 90 minutes from the venue, we can provide a hotel if necessary.  

Once you have a DBS certificate, you’ll join our national network of Treatment Decision Buddies. We’ll then match you with individuals who have asked for support. You will have regular check-ins with the project team and also be part of peer learning sets, where you can share experiences and ask questions. 

That’s up to you. On average, Treatment Decision Buddies support around 3 people a year, with an initial session and 1–2 follow-up conversations. You can always choose to do more or less depending on your time and energy. 

It’s flexible. Most sessions take place by phone or Zoom, though some may be in-person at a coffee shop or community centre. We always agree with you what works best. 

Yes. Supporting others can be emotional. You’ll never be left to manage alone. We provide group check-ins and can connect you with someone to talk things through at any point. 

That’s absolutely fine. The training is a great way to find out if peer coaching is the right fit for you. There’s no obligation to continue if you feel it’s not for you. We value your time and openness, and we’ll still consider it a valuable contribution that you explored the opportunity. 

Just email sarah.gray@tackleprostate.org with a short note about your experience and why you’re interested in becoming a Treatment Decision Buddy. We’ll get in touch for an informal chat before confirming your place on the next training session.

Join us and make a difference

If you’ve been through prostate cancer and want to help others navigate it with confidence, become a Treatment Decision Buddy. Email us below with a short message about your experience and why you’re interested.

A DBS check or equivalent is required for this volunteer role.

Get in Touch

Have another query? A member of our team are always here to help you and your loved ones with any questions you have regarding your prostate cancer.

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