“Listen to your friend or relative without feeling the need to respond with answers, as it’s important they feel they can confide in someone and speak without judgement. Try to avoid false reassurance when news is tough.

Spend time with them (virtually during lockdown or in-person if government guidelines permit), talking about their situation, as well as doing things they enjoy.

We’re social beings who need some connection with others, so try and encourage them to do activities that involve other people who they like and trust.

Phone calls and video chats are a great way of staying in touch during lockdown, and you could try to find alternative ways of doing things with them that you might have done in the past (e.g. a ‘virtual’ film night or dinner, online quizzes or boardgames).”

5 ways you can support someone with cancer according to a psychotherapist