We give free support and information for anyone with cancer from our national network of centres across the UK. Our teams of cancer support specialists, psychologists and benefits advisors provide our evidence-based programme of emotional and practical support. They help people manage the lack of control, isolation, stress and anxiety which often come with a cancer diagnosis.
With The Syncona Foundation as a partner since 2013, we have more than doubled the number of people we have been able to support. This means more people than ever do not have to face the devastating impact of cancer alone.
- We have over 200,000 visits to our centres every year
- 99% of visitors tell us that Maggie is meeting their needs.
Our aim is to be alongside all major cancer hospitals in the UK so our support is easy to access. This could be talking to a psychologist, connecting with others who have similar experiences, or finding out what benefits they are entitled to. The Foundation is an instrumental partner in helping us achieve this.
Bami’s story
"I lost my mother and sister to breast cancer before being diagnosed myself, and I am determined to talk about it with my daughter and within my community.
After my sister died, I started seeing the psychologist at Maggie’s. That helped me through some of the most difficult times.
At some time in our lives, most of us will know someone with cancer; although it’s painful to think about, many of us will lose friends and family. I’ve had more than my fair share. I’ve lost my mum and my sister to cancer and, despite having preventative surgery because of the history of breast cancer in my family, I was diagnosed with it too.
I first came to Maggie’s soon after my sister was diagnosed. I’d been referred to the cancer genetics department at the hospital, and after we had the discussion about what my treatment options were, the counsellor said: “There’s a place I think would be very helpful to you”.
I needed space to think, and so Maggie’s became the place where I could do that. There were moments after my surgery when I was in so much pain. My sister was going through a horrendous time herself, so I felt I couldn’t talk to her about it. As a single parent, I didn’t have many people I could speak to. As soon as I went to Maggie’s, I realised that you can come here and talk if you want, and on days that you don’t want to talk – there were times when I wanted a quiet place to cry – you’re given the space to do that too.
After my sister died, I started seeing the psychologist at Maggie’s. That helped me through some of the most difficult times. I remember once, when I was feeling at my worst, I just started sobbing. I stayed there and cried, and she spoke to me and gave me a cup of tea and everybody made sure I was ok.
I love architecture, so I really appreciate what a beautiful building Maggie’s is. The fact that somebody thinks I’m worth this beauty and attention to detail is wonderful.
Cancer has taken a pretty good shot at my self-esteem but coming to Maggie’s has gone a long way to restoring it."