Maggie’s is expanding its Getting Started programme to Oldham, giving more people with cancer access to clear, practical information and support before treatment begins.
Following strong results in Manchester, the programme will now be delivered weekly at Maggie’s Oldham. Since launching in 2024 in Manchester, Getting Started has already supported thousands of people across the region with practical information and emotional support at a time when people need it most.
Anyone whose treatment is confirmed at The Christie or The Royal Oldham Hospital is invited to join a relaxed and informal session at Maggie’s Oldham. Led by Maggie’s expert Cancer Support Specialists, the sessions provide all the information needed to help patients feel prepared for treatment, fully informed and supported at every step of the way. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions, no matter how big or small.
Trish Morgan, Maggie’s Centre Head, said: “Our centre visitors who have already attended a Getting Started session at Maggie’s in Manchester have told us that is was informative and worthwhile prior to starting treatment, but said it would have been easier to attend closer to home.
“These sessions will be informative, and so beneficial for our visitors starting cancer treatment in Oldham and the surrounding areas.”
Each session begins with a short film featuring the Royal Oldham Hospital team, Maggie’s Cancer Support Specialists and former patients, who share personal insights into the treatment process. Sessions will run weekly at Maggie’s Oldham, just a short walk from the Royal Oldham Hospital, and family and friends are welcome to join too.
Getting Started with Radiotherapy takes place every Monday from 9:15am-10:15am, while Getting Started with Chemotherapy will be taking place every Wednesday, from 2pm-3pm.
Stevie Wise, 40, attended a Getting Started session at Maggie’s in Manchester before beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer.
She said: “Coming to Maggie’s for Getting Started was a great opportunity to meet the people that work there and get a sense for the sort of things they could help me with, and the session itself was so helpful.
“It gave me the space to ask questions in a relaxed environment and hear from other people, which made me feel like I wasn’t on my own. We covered some specific topics such as potential side effects of treatment, which meant that when I did experience them during my chemotherapy, I was prepared and didn’t feel so scared.”
“Before Getting Started, patients would previously be given this information on the day of treatment, which could feel overwhelming in a busy clinical setting. Now, patients have time to absorb the information in a calm and supportive space.”
Since the launch of Getting Started in Manchester, 84% of attendees said they felt more confident managing treatment and side effects, and 100% would recommend the session to others. The charity has also experienced an increase in equity of access to their centre in Manchester with more people from underrepresented groups accessing the centre through the programme.
Bringing Getting Started to Oldham comes as Maggie’s celebrates its 30th anniversary – marking three decades of being there for people with cancer and their family and friends. As well as ensuring everyone has the practical, emotional and psychological support from the very moment they receive a cancer diagnosis.
Maggie’s professional staff include psychologists, cancer support specialists, benefits advisors and experts in nutrition and wellbeing. Maggie’s is a charity that’s almost entirely funded by voluntary donations.
