Monday 30 September 2024
The cancer support group has been set up by Maggie’s, as a collaboration supported by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and community leads.
The Muslim Cancer Support Group is for anybody from Greater Manchester, and surrounding areas, who is Muslim and living with cancer, as well as their family and friends.
The sessions will be taking place at Maggie’s in Manchester, located opposite The Christie, on Kinnaird Road, Withington.
People joining the group will have the opportunity to speak to experts and receive support and information, and find out more about the free cancer support services available at Maggie’s.
Staff from The Christie will also attend and are available to speak to about potential research opportunities.
Dates for the support groups:
Numan Ahmed, who works as the Muslim chaplain at Royal Oldham Hospital, attended Maggie’s in Oldham after a cancer diagnosis in 2021.
He has been involved in the creation of the group, and he is urging Muslim’s of all ethnicities living with cancer to attend.
Numan said: “I would say to the Muslim community, and anyone who has cancer: don’t stay at home and suffer on your own. People with cancer need support, and there is so much out there.
“Even though Maggie’s is a professional place in the boundaries of the hospital, it is not like a hospital – more a place to socialise.
“I always advise people to come to Maggie’s. The centre is always welcoming, and it’s not only for people diagnosed with cancer – it’s for their families too. They can go and get the help or have a little bit of relaxation time.
If you go there you will find comfort.
A committee of staff from Maggie’s and Muslim NHS workers from across the region have supported the setting up of the group, who will also support with facilitating each session.
Maggie’s strapline – Everyone's home of cancer care – has been changed for the group to ‘The Ummah’s home of cancer care’, which in Islam means a community of Muslims.
It is hoped that sessions for the group will continue to take place on a monthly basis, in-person and online.
Robin Muir, Centre Head at Maggie’s, Manchester, said: “We’re really excited to be launching the Muslim Cancer Support Group.
“Maggie’s is open to anyone and everyone from the Muslim community, with support given by experts in an inclusive, safe and non-judgemental environment.
“We will be running our groups alongside expert NHS colleagues from the Muslim community, and we ask for your support to encourage people to attend.
Whatever kind of cancer and whatever stage you are at, we’re here with you.
Shahfaz Saeed, Patient Experience Manager for the Research and Innovation division at The Christie, said: “This is a much needed and excellent piece of work.
“We have brought together some key individuals within the Muslim Community from across Greater Manchester to join forces and have built new relationships to develop the group, which has been created by the people, for the people.
“The Muslim Cancer Support Group has the potential to be a real gem within the Muslim Community.”
If you're interested in attending the brothers or sisters support groups at Maggie's in Manchester, please email manchester@maggies.org or call 0161 641 4848.
Last review: Sep 2024 | Next review: Sep 2027
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