Community support
We know that having a support network can make a significant difference to how you feel you can cope with a 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.
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
Our free mindfulness course
Our next course begins on Wednesday, January 29 2025.
Guided by tutor Louise via Zoom, our fully-funded 8-week course has been carefully designed to provide tools and practices to alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety.
Mindfulness can be a great resource to alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety that can so often accompany a diagnosis. Our course graduated say the sessions helped them deal with difficult emotions, and improved their sleep quality too!
Wellbeing retreat days
Our retreat days offer a chance to meet our wellbeing team and fellow patients in a friendly, informal setting. and find out about the complementary therapies and services we offer for you.
Attendees can try out some of the wellbeing services we offer, such as massage and mini manicures at our pop-up nail bar on the day. Our on-the-day programme also includes a mindfulness taster session, deep relaxation, music and movement, and a delicious lunch to be enjoyed with fellow guests.
Our next retreat is on November 2 at King's Church, Aberdeen.
To register your attendance, please use the button below.
Awareness Hours
Our free Awareness Hour talks are open to everyone, whether you're a patient, a family member or simply have an interest in the topic.
Guests are hosted by our wellbeing team in a relaxed, informal setting, and will hear from specialist staff speakers on a different topic each time, with information on signs and symptoms, current treatments and support available for those facing a diagnosis.
Our next Awareness Hour is on breast cancer on October 3.
This extended session, which coincides with breast cancer awareness month, will feature talks from:
- Beatrix Elsberger, consultant breast surgeon: breast cancer basics + the treatment journey, self-examination + being breast aware
- Gordon Urquhart, consultant medical oncologist: oncology treatments for breast cancer
- Marc-James Hallam, consultant plastic surgeon: different types of breast reconstructions
There will also be stalls offering information on an array of topics, including breast cancer nureses, breast prosthesis and clinical research trials.
Support Groups
Day | Frequency | Time | Organisation | Contact info | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Young Womens Support Group | Monday | Monthly | 10-11.30am | Maggies | aberdeen@maggies.org 01224 645928 |
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 |