Course developed by Maggie's in collaboration with Abertay University celebrates first graduates

The Abertay students gathered to celebrate their achievements at the university’s winter graduation ceremony on Friday 29 November at the Caird Hall in Dundee.

Launched in September 2023 by Abertay’s Department of Health, Sport and Wellbeing, the course is uniquely designed to upskill Cancer Support Specialists (CSS), including oncology nurses and radiographers.

The programme takes participants from Level 2 to IAPT Level 3 standards in cancer support, enhancing their existing knowledge and building their confidence in providing psychological support to individuals affected by cancer.

Meeting the needs of people with cancer

Lesley Howells, Maggie’s Lead Clinical Psychologist said:

"Our programme acknowledges the invaluable expertise these professionals bring to their roles while deepening their theoretical understanding of psychological therapies.

"The course combines effective pluralistic counselling techniques with psychotherapy integration, equipping students with a diverse range of psychological interventions tailored for oncology care. 

"This training empowers them to meet the complex needs of visitors to Maggie’s across the UK."

The course was delivered through a distance-learning format, enabling students to study from anywhere in the UK.

This unique structure allowed participants to engage collaboratively, learn as a team, and share insights from their diverse experiences, all while continuing to work full-time at their respective Maggie’s centre. 

Cementing our work at Maggie's

Jill Judson, a Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie’s Dundee and course graduate said:

"The new course content is amazing. It really does cement what we do already at Maggie’s, but also deepens the theoretical content to underpin the work we do with centre visitors. 

"The course has been tailored to us as Cancer Support Specialists at Maggie’s. We have also learnt lots about new models we had not been aware of, which allowed us to have a deeper understanding of why we do what we do.

There has also been great engagement between us as a group. It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to complete the course, and to work and learn alongside fellow colleagues as we deepened our knowledge as Cancer Support Specialists."

Course enhances expertise of healthcare providers

Following the successful first year, Abertay plans to run the course every alternate year. 

Additionally, there has been interest from the broader NHS Trust in expanding the programme across the UK, highlighting the course's potential to enhance the expertise of healthcare providers in this important area.

As part of the curriculum, students were tasked with developing resources that could be utilised within their respective Maggie’s centres. Several of these resources are already in use, contributing to ongoing efforts to improve cancer support services.

Dr Marcia Stoll, Lecturer in Abertay’s Department of Health, Sport and Wellbeing said:

"The course has played a pivotal role in enhancing patient care by equipping healthcare providers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to address the challenges faced by individuals affected by cancer. 

"Feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive; they have found the course fantastic, and it has truly boosted their confidence as Cancer Support Specialists. 

"Through our collaborative efforts and the innovative resources developed by students, we are making meaningful strides in delivering more compassionate and effective support to patients and their families."

_{*Tara White Centre Head at Maggie’s, Swansea; Erin Fury Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie’s, Cardiff; Pamela Wright Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie’s Highlands; Trish Morgan Centre Head at Maggie’s, Oldham; Rebecca Nicholls Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie’s, West London; Temi Omooba Centre Head at Maggie’s, Royal Free; Jill Judson Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie’s, Dundee; Abbie Morton Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie’s, Southampton; Elizabeth Morgan Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie's, Nottingham and Graham Cone Cancer Support Specialist at Maggie’s, Cambridge.}