We provide support by encouraging, motivating and teaching. Through our programme you will have time to clarify and to address the issues that may arise in the face of cancer diagnosis. You can develop specific coping strategies and skills to enable you to manage the impact of cancer and to access information. Information about diagnosis and treatment and the resources more widely available will help you, in Maggie’s words, "to develop a map to provide direction and structure in respect of your cancer journey."

We recognise that some people may initially and at other times be overwhelmed by the enormity of their experience. If this is how you are feeling Maggie’s can be a safe place where you can feel supported until such time that you are able to engage actively with our programme.

Our programme consists of three key elements – information, psychological emotional support and relaxation & stress reduction – all of which takes place in an environment designed to be comfortable, supportive, stimulating and uplifting.

The best way to find out about Maggie’s is to pop into one of our Centres, but for now, please read on to find out how Maggie’s can help you live with, through and beyond cancer.

Information & Support

Information is a cornerstone of the service that Maggie’s Centres provide. People affected by cancer at any stage have varying informational needs and Maggie’s Centres will be a resource to meet your needs. The provision of information and help in understanding such information has been demonstrated to be a key element in reducing anxiety and uncertainty and in regaining a sense of control. Our aim is to provide personalised information for your own situation. We do not advise on individual medical treatment plans but will help you to clarify your understanding and to formulate questions which you can take back to your medical team.

We recognise that many people receive excellent and clear information directly from their health care professional and there may not be huge gaps that need support. The ability to access the Centres for information may be less challenging than confronting the psychological impact of a diagnosis of cancer and this point of access is essential. This combination of providing support through information and also using it as a vehicle to elicit fears and concerns remains a fundamental aspect of Maggie’s Centres core programme.

A cornerstone of effective programme provision is the person centred nature of the service provided. You will be welcomed by a member of the team; most likely a support specialist who will also be there for you when you call into the Centre on future visits. They have significant experience and training in cancer care. They will have time to listen to you about your own situation suggesting how you might benefit from aspects of the programme and introduce you to other members of the Maggie's support team.

Psychological & emotional support

Psychological and emotional support and its theory underlie all aspects of Maggie's Centres Programme. Formal and informal emotional support can facilitate healthy psychological adjustment to a diagnosis of cancer. Psychological research shows that major life events require psychological and emotional work over time in order for healthy psychological adjustment to occur.

Each Maggie's Centre has a team of Cancer Support Specialists which includes clinical or chartered counselling psychologists who facilitate group support, contribute to psycho-educational courses, and provides individual support sessions that you or your family can make appointments with.

Relaxation & stress reduction

Structured relaxation and stress management techniques have been shown to significantly reduce emotional distress and help healthy psychological and physical adjustment to a diagnosis of cancer. Relaxation and stress management techniques can also be used to help if you are encountering specific difficulties such as phobias, pain and sleep problems.

Structured relaxation and stress management techniques have been shown to significantly reduce emotional distress and help healthy psychological and physical adjustment to a diagnosis of cancer. Relaxation and stress management techniques can also be used to help if you are encountering specific difficulties such as phobias, pain and sleep problems.