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

Hair loss support service

"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. 

Hair loss support service

"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

Find the group that’s most relevant for you and get in touch to arrange a visit. A warm welcome awaits.
 
Name
Day
Frequency
Time
Organisation
Contact info
Young Womens Support Group
Monday
Monthly
10-11.30am
Maggies
Brew + Blether (for anyone affected by cancer)
Monday
Weekly
10-11.30am
Friends of ANCHOR
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
Breast Reconstruction Support
Tuesday
Monthly
11am-1pm
CLAN House
Breast Reconstruction Support
Tuesday
Monthly
2-4pm
Maggies
Myeloma Group
Wednesday
Monthly
2-4pm
CLAN House
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
UCAN Patient-Led Support Group (for anyone affected by urological cancer)
Tuesday
Monthly
7-9pm
CLAN House
Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Group
Wednesday
Monthly
2-3:30pm
Maggies
Gynaecology Cancer Group
Thursday
Monthly
2-3:30pm
Maggies
Lung Cancer Group
Thursday
Monthly
2-3:30pm
Maggies
Prostate Cancer Group
Thursday
Monthly
2-3:30pm
Maggies
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
Colorectal Cancer Group
Friday
Monthly
10-11:30am
Maggies