Extended opening hours at Maggie's Cardiff

Who are we?

Maggie’s Cardiff is a fantastic charity that provides unique cancer support to people with cancer and their family and friends in south east Wales. We provide an evidence-based programme of psychological, social and practical support free of charge. Our centre and our support can be accessed by anyone living with any type of cancer, at any stage. We’re also here to support family and friends and those who’re bereaved. No appointment or referral is needed.

A diagnosis of cancer brings with it tough decisions, exhausting treatment, difficult emotions and a range of overwhelming questions. We know that when someone is diagnosed with cancer, they need much more than medical treatment. They might need information about how treatment will affect them; emotional support and practical advice; a place to go where they can meet and talk to people who are going through the same things. 

Our innovative programme of support is split into five main themes: 

Maggie’s Frontline – With an NHS background in oncology, our Cancer Support Specialists provide advice, clarity and reassurance. They treat each person that comes into the centre as an individual. 

Lightening the Load – Our Clinical Psychologists help people cope with the emotional impact of cancer, its effect on their future, and bereavement. 

Taking Control – Our benefits advisors help people alleviate concerns around finances so they can focus on their health. They assist in applying for benefits, grants, disabled badges and other support that people are often unaware they’re entitled to.  

Stronger Together – We hold workshops, courses and group support for people, before during and after treatment. Facilitated by our expert team, these offer a safe space to express emotions and connect with others in a similar situation.    

Joy of Living – Our activities such as yoga, tai chi, walking, or gentle exercise sessions give people a chance to build confidence and energy needed for cancer and treatment in a supportive and uplifting space. 

Community impact

Maggie’s is here for anyone in south east Wales affected by cancer, for all cancer types, at any stage of the journey, alongside their family and friends, and for as long as they need us. We are based in the grounds of Velindre Cancer Centre, but our support can be accessed no matter where the visitor is being treated. We know that without the support of Maggie’s Cardiff, people in our communities across south east Wales that rely on our support would really struggle to manage the effect a cancer diagnosis can bring. 

We asked visitors how Maggie’s has helped them. 99.9% of respondents reported increased improvement in all aspects of living with cancer as a result of engaging with Maggie’s. 99% reported an improved ability to manage stress. 98% reported an improved confidence in speaking to their medical team. 97.5% said that coming to Maggie’s improved their ability to speak openly to friends and family. 93% said that they made healthy changes to exercise as a result of speaking to one of our team.

Why are we crowdfunding?

Now more than ever, we are seeing the demand for people needing our centre and our support. Since the start of the new year our weekly number of centre visitors has approximately increased by 50%, and so more than ever extending our opening hours will massively benefit our community. Our yoga sessions have been shown to help with relaxation by combining breathing and gentle movement. Relaxation can help reduce anxiety, pain, stress and muscle tension. It has also been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve sleep, digestion and focus and to boost the immune system. This will be really beneficial to our visitors as cancer is likely to affect your fitness, mood and energy levels but exercise can really help before, during and after treatment.

How we’ll spend the money raised

The money we raise will go towards the costs of the additional opening hours. This will include the cost of running the yoga sessions, drop-in cancer support, and the teas, coffees, biscuits and consumables that help to make our Maggie’s welcome as warm as possible.