Last year the YourGP team teamed up with several local businesses as part of the world’s biggest coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. It was a fantastic opportunity to raise vital funds for a worthy cause, drum up awareness of the effects of cancer, and of course enjoy plenty of cake!

We had every intention of doing so once again this year but understandably, like so many charity events, things have had to be ‘tweaked’ a little in light of the coronavirus crisis.

However, we are delighted that the team behind the Macmillan Coffee Morning is calling on people to get involved in alternative ways this September so that they can continue to provide essential physical, emotional and financial support to those living with cancer.

Here’s how you and your colleagues can get involved this year.

Host a (small-scale, socially distanced) coffee morning

This year, those hosting a coffee morning at their place of work will have to ensure they are well prepared – and we don’t just mean being well stocked in baked goods! A supply of hand sanitiser and clear 2metre markings on the floor, for example, should ideally be provided to limit the potential transmission of COVID-19.

And although the promise of freshly baked treats will undoubtedly prove popular, make sure the number of attendees is in-line with the current government guidance. (You can keep up to date with the latest developments at www.gov.uk/coronavirus).

Picnic in the park

To reduce the chances of transmission further, why not consider going al fresco and holding your coffee morning outside? Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the park. You could even make it a BYOT (Bring Your Own Thermos!) event.

Take your cake online

Alternatively, you could host a virtual coffee morning and raise a mug together via video chat. Or, you could add a little healthy competition into the mix and host an online bake-off, live from your kitchen.

The world’s biggest coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer Support will take place on Friday 25th September. For more information or to sign up for a free fundraising kit, head to www.coffee.macmillan.org.uk.

If you plan to join in the fun, we’d love to hear from you. Tweet us your photos at @YourGPUK, or join the conversation over at the YourGP Facebook page.