Bereavement Support Network (free)
The Bereavement Support Network (BSN) is a group of committed, trained volunteers, who share the experience of having coped with bereavement.
Here are a few words from BSN:
BSN’s mission is to support English-speaking residents in France who are trying to cope with the experience of losing a loved one. We do this through individual bereavement support, by phone or video, and practical information in English. All our services are free.
We also support those who are terminally ill, their carers and families.
We are a secular organisation, independent of other groups providing similar welfare care. However, we may liaise with other organisations when appropriate or if asked to by a client. Although our services are strictly confidential, there are certain limits to confidentiality, as required under law. We also understand how much more difficult it can be dealing with loss in a foreign country, far from the support of family, in a language and with a system that may be unfamiliar to many.
Q: Who can use Cancer Support Group 06?
Q: Are CSG06 services free?
A: Yes. All CSG06 services are completely free of charge. This includes one-to-one support, drop-in sessions, psychological support, wellbeing services, and bereavement support.
Q: Where are you based?
A: CSG06 operates across the Alpes-Maritimes (06), Monaco, and the eastern Var (83). Our volunteers and providers are based throughout the region, and we deliver support through drop-in sessions held in Mouans-Sartoux, Antibes, and Nice.
Q: What services does CSG06 offer?
Q: Do I need to speak French?
A: No. CSG06 specifically serves English speakers. All services are provided in English.
Q: Is CSG06 affiliated with any national organisation?
Q: How do I get in touch?
Q: Is CSG06 available to people living in Nice?
A: Yes. CSG06 supports English speakers affected by cancer across the Alpes-Maritimes, including Nice, alongside Monaco and the eastern Var.
Q: Do I have to travel to Mouans-Sartoux?
A: Not necessarily. Our drop-in sessions in Nice take place at L'Institut Mozart (17 Av. Auber), and one-to-one support can take place near you, by phone, or online. Our centre in Mouans-Sartoux is also around 30 minutes away via the A8. Contact us and we'll find the best option for you.
Q: Is there a charge?
A: No — there's never a charge to our clients. Every service CSG06 provides is offered at no cost.
Q: Is there an English-speaking line for French health insurance (CPAM)?
A: Yes. The Assurance Maladie (CPAM) runs an English-speaking helpline for questions about your state health cover, reimbursements or carte Vitale: 09 74 75 36 46 from France, or +33 974 75 36 46 from abroad (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). The line can be busy, and calling around midday is often quieter. Questions about top-up cover (your mutuelle) need to go to your mutuelle directly.
Q: Where can I find more information and practical help?
A: Alongside our own support, these organisations are very helpful:
- Institut National du Cancer (cancer.fr) – the official French cancer information site: cancer types, treatments, rights and everyday life.
- OncoPaca-Corse – the regional cancer network for Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur and Corsica, with information on treatment centres, supportive care, clinical trials and patient associations.
- UNISAD 06 – care at home across the Alpes-Maritimes, including hospital-at-home (HAD) and home support services. Tel: 04 92 27 37 11.
- Cancer Support France forum – an online forum, in English, run by our national affiliate, where you can ask questions and share experiences.
Most of these sites are in French. To read them in English, use your browser's translate option: in Chrome, right-click the page and choose "Translate to English"; in Safari, click the translate icon in the address bar.
Ready to find out more?
There is no referral process, no waiting list, and no charge — just get in touch when you are ready.
Email: info@csg06.com / Call: 07 68 38 74 70
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