Maggie's, Edinburgh

Our benefits advisors can tell you what you're entitled to and help with practical things like parking permits and extra money you may be able to claim.

Our cancer support specialists can listen to how you're feeling, answer any questions you may have and help you find the support you need. You don't need an appointment, just come in.

If things are getting on top of you, if you're scared, worried or feeling down, we're here. Our cancer support specialists can arrange to talk with you to see if our psychologist would be the right support for you.

We run support groups for specific cancer types as well as for people going through similar experiences like men or carers. These groups are for sharing experiences, learning from others, and people often make lasting connections. Talk to us and we’ll find the right support group for you. Our kitchen table is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s also a place to meet people and hear others’ stories over a cup of tea.

It goes without saying that having cancer can be stressful, but there are lots of things we can share with you to help make those feelings more manageable. As well as one-to-one and group support we have a six-week Managing Stress course that encourages you to try out different way of relaxation including managing anxious thoughts, meditation, visualisation and how to use these methods in every day life.

We are here for you if you care about someone with cancer. We can help you find ways to have difficult conversations around cancer with your partner or children, support you as you come to terms with changes in your life or help you adapt to your new role as carer. You can also join our Friends and Family course, which covers practical things like how to care of yourself and the person you’re caring for, it’s a safe, non-judgemental group where you can share your feelings and concerns.

If you or someone close to you is about to start cancer treatment, then you may be concerned about what's ahead and how to prepare. We can help you get ready for whatever treatment you’re about to start. Our Getting Started workshops talk through the specifics of your treatment in partnership with your hospital team and our prehab sessions help you become more physically active and emotionally resilient before treatment.

Having cancer treatment impacts on many aspects of daily living – bringing temporary or permanent changes and uncertainty. We can support you with things like pain management, sleep, fatigue, cognitive rehabilitation, menopause and androgen.

If you have a cancer that cannot be cured we will help you get a better understanding of what support is available, how to make full use of palliative care services, reduce feelings of isolation and decrease anxiety. We also have support groups where you can meet others in a similar situation and we're here for family members or carers too.

Exercise and gentle physical activity can give you more energy and help build your confidence to deal with cancer and treatment. Our exercise classes include yoga, Tai Chi and walking groups. We know everyone has different needs, so we’ll help you find activities that are right for you.

Coming to the end of treatment can bring its own challenges. Friends and family may expect you to bounce back, but we know how hard that can be. We can help prepare you emotionally as well as with the practicalities of going back to work, staying active and positive. Our cancer support specialists are always here to talk about how you’re feeling post treatment and issues around fatigue and anxiety.

Cancer and treatment can change the way you look and feel, and this can dent your confidence. We can discuss things like hair loss and what to expect from surgery. We also work with an organisation called Look Good Feel Better, whose monthly workshops cancer help you to manage the visible side effects of your treatment. You might also like to try our Talking Heads workshop, which helps with worries about losing your hair, as well as how to buy and wear a wig or headscarf.

If you’ve lost someone you to love to cancer, we’re here to listen to how you feel; we can help you find a way to go on and start to move forward. We’re here as long as you need us. If you’re a parent, we can support you in finding ways of talking to your children about what you might all be feeling. We also have a bereavement support group where you can talk to other people in the same situation and develop your own way of coping.

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you may have questions about what food to eat. Our regular nutrition workshops are a chance to meet and talk to other people with cancer, discuss healthier options and discover what suits you best.

Drawing, painting or creative writing can help you slow down, relax and process your thoughts, and can be a great way to explore and express difficult thoughts and feelings. Get in touch to find out what workshops we're running – they are open to everyone, regardless of skill or experience.