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

Hair loss support service

"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!

Hair loss support service
Current and former ANCHOR patients are warmly invited to attend, and can bring a guest 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. 

Guests at a previous Awareness Hour
Some of the breast cancer nurse specialists will attend the event to answer any questions at the information stalls.

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

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
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