Introducing First Steps patient support videos for those with a cancer diagnosis

For many people, a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming – a moment when questions outnumber answers and the need for clear, trusted support is immediate.

To help patients navigate those first, and often difficult, days, our trust has launched a new suite of online First Steps videos, designed to support people at the point of diagnosis with practical, emotional and lifestyle guidance.

The short, accessible videos bring together expert advice and reassurance on topics patients say matter most early on, including emotional wellbeing, fatigue, eating well, moving more, practical support and how to connect with local support groups.

Carrie Beasley, our health and wellbeing events project lead, says the videos were created to meet patients where they are, at exactly the point they need help most.

“We know that receiving a cancer diagnosis can leave people feeling frightened, confused and unsure where to turn,” she says.

“First Steps is about offering calm, clear support at that crucial moment, giving patients reliable information they can return to in their own time, and reassuring them that they are not alone.”

Developed in collaboration with clinical teams, patient voice representatives and voluntary sector partners, the videos are designed to complement conversations patients have with their cancer care teams, rather than replace them.

“These resources don’t add pressure or complexity,” Carrie adds. “They gently introduce key themes around wellbeing and self‑care, helping people take things one step at a time.

“Patients can watch them when they feel ready, pause them, revisit them, or share them with family and friends.”

The digital format also means support is available beyond hospital walls, helping patients access consistent information regardless of where they live or when questions arise.

“Not everyone feels able to absorb everything during appointments,” Carrie explains. “Our patient voice representatives highlighted how overwhelming those early weeks after diagnosis can be, which is why it was so important to create something patients can revisit in their own time.”

The First Steps videos are introduced to patients at the earliest opportunity after diagnosis and are promoted by cancer nurse specialists and cancer support workers as part of routine care.

They sit alongside existing community and charity‑led services, helping patients understand what’s available to them locally.

The videos, developed with support from the trust’s technology‑enhanced learning and communications teams, are available online and free to access. For patients without digital access, patient information leaflets will also be made available.

“This is very much designed with patients, not just for them,” Carrie says. “We’ll keep listening and evolving the videos, so they remain a meaningful first step for people starting their cancer journey.”

You can watch the videos here: