PEOPLE in Oldham who have been diagnosed with cancer now have local access to a pioneering programme.
Getting Started provides clear, practical information and support before treatment begins.
Now Maggie’s has extended the scheme to the town following strong results in Manchester.
The programme will now be delivered weekly at Maggie’s Oldham after supporting thousands of people since launching in 2024.
Anyone whose treatment is confirmed at The Christie or The Royal Oldham Hospital is invited to join a relaxed and informal session at Maggie’s Oldham, which is based in the Sir Norman Stoller Building at the latter.
Led by its expert cancer support specialists, the sessions provide all the information needed to help patients feel prepared for treatment, fully informed and supported at every step of the way.
Each session begins with a short film featuring the Royal Oldham Hospital team, Maggie’s cancer support specialists and former patients, who share personal insights into the treatment process.
Stevie Wise, 40, attended a Getting Started session at Maggie’s in Manchester before beginning chemotherapy for breast cancer.
She said: “Coming to Maggie’s for Getting Started was a great opportunity to meet the people that work there and get a sense for the sort of things they could help me with, and the session itself was so helpful.
“It gave me the space to ask questions in a relaxed environment and hear from other people, which made me feel like I wasn’t on my own.
“We covered some specific topics such as potential side effects of treatment, which meant that when I did experience them during my chemotherapy, I was prepared and didn’t feel so scared.
“Before Getting Started, patients would previously be given this information on the day of treatment, which could feel overwhelming in a busy clinical setting.
“Now, patients have time to absorb the information in a calm and supportive space.”
Since the launch of Getting Started in Manchester, 84 per cent of attendees said they felt more confident managing treatment and side effects, and 100 per cent would recommend the session to others.
The charity has also experienced an increase in equity of access to their centre in Manchester, with more people from underrepresented groups accessing the centre through the programme.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions, no matter how big or small.
Trish Morgan, Maggie’s centre head, said: “Our centre visitors who have already attended a Getting Started session at Maggie’s in Manchester have told us that is was informative and worthwhile prior to starting treatment, but said it would have been easier to attend closer to home.
“These sessions will be informative, and so beneficial for our visitors starting cancer treatment in Oldham and the surrounding areas.”
Getting Started with Radiotherapy takes place every Monday from 9:15am until 10:15am, while Getting Started with Chemotherapy will be taking place every Wednesday, from 2pm until 3pm.
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