Maggie’s shortlisted for leading healthcare award

The pioneering initiative Getting Started has been shortlisted in the category Best Not for Profit Working in Partnership with the NHS, a celebration of our effective collaboration with the health service.

Getting Started with cancer treatment 

Getting Started is a one-off session held in our centres, delivered with local NHS staff and offered to everyone about to begin treatment for cancer. 

The sessions aim to prepare people practically and emotionally for treatment, helping them feel more empowered and less daunted by what lies ahead. 

Staff explain how treatment is administered, possible side effects and how to manage them, tips on eating well and staying active, and advice on how to seek additional support if needed.

People also have the chance to ask questions and discuss concerns in the warm, comforting environment of a Maggie's centre, rather than a busy hospital ward.

Family, friends, and carers of a person diagnosed with cancer are also invited to join.

Helping people navigate cancer treatment 

Dame Laura Lee DBE, our Chief Executive, said: 

It is fantastic to be shortlisted in the HSJ Partnership Awards, in recognition of the incredible work our expert centre staff do, alongside the NHS, to help people prepare practically and emotionally for treatment. Our partnership with the NHS is so important to what we do at Maggie’s, and we are incredibly grateful for the work they do to help us better support people with cancer.

"We know starting chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be daunting, and our Getting Started sessions aim to help people feel more in control of their health, equipped with the knowledge to navigate the challenges that treatment can bring.

"As the number of people diagnosed with cancer continues to rise and pressure on the NHS increases, it is more important than ever that the NHS invests in partnerships like this to ensure individuals can get the crucial support they need.

How Maggie's can help

We're here for you and your family and can help you prepare for treatment.

Our expert staff are here to listen to your concerns and find the help you need wherever you are – over the phone and online.

• Just come in – find your nearest centre
• Call us on 0300 123 180 or arrange a callback
• Email us at enquiries@maggies.org 
• Our phone lines and centres are open  Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

About the HSJ

The Health Service Journal reports on all aspects of healthcare, providing news, analysis, and best practice information from some of the most respected figures in the health sector.

The HSJ Partnership Awards recognise outstanding dedication to improving healthcare and effective collaboration with the NHS and are judged by a range of influential figures within the health sector. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in March 2026.

Visit the 2026 HSJ Partnership Awards to learn more and see the full shortlist.