Community support
We know that having a support network can make a significant difference to how you feel you can cope with a cancer or haematology diagnosis. Our online and in-person services have been created with you in mind, and we hope they will bring you practical and emotional support. Please know you are not alone.
To find out more about any of the community support listed below, please give us a phone on 01224 859222 or email wellbeing@friendsofanchor.org

"Taking the time to think and focus on my breathing has definitely helped me feel calmer." - Mindfulness graduate feedback
Mindfulness
Every Wednesday, online
Guided by tutor Louise via Zoom, our fully-funded 8-week course aims to provide tools and practices to alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety.
Mindfulness can be a great resource to equip you with tools and practices to alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety that can so often accompany a diagnosis. That's why we created a fully-funded 8-week course aims to help patients and carers cope with difficult emotions and improve sleep quality.
Since we launched our mindfulness course:
- 100% of participants say they are able to deal better with difficult emotions
- And 75% of people noticed improved sleep quality
- 100% would recommend the course to others
Our next course begins on Wednesday April 26 with two cohorts available. The first takes place at 10am and is for ANCHOR Unit patients (past and present) and carers. The second takes place at 7.45pm and is for ANCHOR Unit staff.
Please use the button below to resvere your free place.
Wellbeing retreat days
Our wellbeing retreat days offer a chance to meet our wellbeing team and find out about the complementary therapies and services we offer for you.
Guests have the chance to meet fellow people who are going through, or have been through, a cancer or haematology diagnosis, while trying out some of the wellbeing services we offer, such as massage and nail bars. Our on-the-day programme also includes a mindfulness taster session, mindfulness deep-dive, a sleep workshop, and a delicious lunch to be enjoyed with fellow guests.
Our next retreat is on Saturday, June 3, and will be held at King's Church (the old AECC) in Bridge of Don. To register your attendance, please use the button below.

"I found the support on the FoA coffee morning catch ups really helpful, and met some really strong brave women who showed me that I could get through it. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you" - message to a new group member from another member
Brew + Blether
Every Monday at 10am
Everyone is welcome to join our weekly virtual coffee mornings, or bi-monthly in person meet ups!
The relaxed hour or so is hosted by our wellbeing team with fellow patients blethering about everything from daily life and celebrating milestones to sharing anecdotes and personal experiences of treatment.
Fancy joining us for a brew? Drop us a note here...
Support Groups
Day | Frequency | Time | Organisation | Contact info | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Young Womens Support Group | Monday | Monthly | 10-11.30am | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Brew + Blether (for anyone affected by cancer) | Monday | Weekly | 10-11.30am | Friends of ANCHOR | wellbeing@friendsofanchor.org |
Friends of ANCHOR patient community | Daily peer support | Friends of ANCHOR | Tap here to join | ||
Can be OK | Monday | Weekly | Evenings | Can be OK | Search 'Can be OK' on Facebook to join the private group |
Move More Walking Group | Tuesday | Weekly | 10-11:30am | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Breast Reconstruction Support | Tuesday | Monthly | 11am-1pm | CLAN House | services@clanhaven.org 01224 647000 |
Breast Reconstruction Support | Tuesday | Monthly | 2-4pm | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Myeloma Group | Wednesday | Monthly | 2-4pm | CLAN House | services@clanhaven.org 01224 647000 |
Buckie & District Cancer Support Group (for anyone affected by cancer) | Wednesday | Monthly | tbc | Burnside Court, Buckie | Margaret Smith 01542 832329 (Mon-Fri, 6pm-9pm) *On hold until 2022. Please reach for phone support until support group resumes |
Breast Cancer Group | Wednesday | Monthly | 2-3:30pm | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
UCAN Patient-Led Support Group (for anyone affected by urological cancer) | Tuesday | Monthly | 7-9pm | CLAN House | services@clanhaven.org 01224 647000 |
Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Group | Wednesday | Monthly | 2-3:30pm | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Gynaecology Cancer Group | Thursday | Monthly | 2-3:30pm | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Lung Cancer Group | Thursday | Monthly | 2-3:30pm | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Prostate Cancer Group | Thursday | Monthly | 2-3:30pm | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Keith Cancer Links Support Group (for anyone affected by cancer) | Thursday | Monthly | 7:30-9pm | Resource Centre, Midstreet. Keith | keithcancerlinksupport.org.uk 07969 957680 * On hold until 2022 Please reach for phone support until support group resumes |
Head + Neck Cancer Group | Friday | Monthly | 10-11:30am | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
Colorectal Cancer Group | Friday | Monthly | 10-11:30am | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |