Monday 23 September 2024
The Secretary of State spoke to people with cancer and carers from different support groups to understand how Maggie's supports them through the challenges they face.
Local MP Matthew Patrick also joined Wes Streeting MP on the visit to the cancer support centre, accompanied by Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive of Maggie's, and Kathy Wright, Centre Head at Maggie's, Wirral.
The visit began with a tour of the centre, followed by a conversation with attendees of the Where Now? support group.
The group is led by a Maggie's cancer support specialist and is a space for people who have finished cancer treatment to meet and get support with life after treatment, such as returning to work.
Amongst the attendees was Tracey, who has lung cancer attends the yoga, relaxation and mindfulness courses at Maggie's.
Ann also attends the group. She has been receiving one-to-one psychological support and benefits advice from Maggie’s, and she regularly joins the stress management course, Tai Chi classes and fatigue workshops. Ann initially struggled to go back to work after treatment for breast cancer, but has now returned to her career.
At Maggie's, support is also available for the friends and family of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer.
The Secretary of State and the MP for Wirral West then spoke with people from the Carers support group, which helps carers meet their own health needs, as well as those of the person with cancer, so they can continue to provide care.
The group also supports bereaved carers.
People who attend the Young women's cancer support group at Maggie's shared with Wes Streeting MP and Matthew Patrick MP about the difficulties of coping with cancer as young women.
An early, 'crash' menopause induced by treatment, and its effects on fertility, is just one of the challenges that some young women with cancer face.
One of the visitors was Lucy, who has breast cancer. She also attends our menopause workshop and receives one-to-one support from a psychologist at Maggie's.
The kitchen table is at the heart of every Maggie's centre. Anyone can make themselves a drink and sit down – in peace or for a chat – for whatever they need at that time.
The members of Parliament joined people from the Men's cancer support group for a cup of tea and a conversation around the kitchen table.
Many of the support group attendees at first struggled to ask for support, but now feel empowered to talk about the impact of cancer on their lives.
Owen has bowel cancer, and after feeling floored by his diagnosis, Maggie’s helped advise Owen on how to break the news to his two children. Owen has since gone back to work, and credits Maggie’s with helping him get through his diagnosis.
Wes Streeting MP has been in office as the Health and Social Care Secretary since July. Shortly after his appointment, he ordered an independent investigation into the NHS in a bid to improve the service.
The Secretary of State was himself diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2021. He underwent surgery to remove one of his kidneys, and was declared cancer-free a few months after treatment.
Maggie's, a non-for-profit organisation that is independent of the NHS, works closely with hospital trusts to ensure that cancer patients can benefit from the emotional and practical support available at Maggie's to complement the medical care they receive.
Centre visitor names have been changed for anonymity.
Last review: Sep 2024 | Next review: Sep 2027
We're here for every kind of cancer, and every kind of story.
We offer free expert psychological and practical support tailored to you, whatever your age and situation.
There are support groups on offer, as well as workshops, courses and one-to-one support with a cancer support specialist, benefits advisor or psychologist.
You don't need a referral or an appointment.
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