My darling husband, daughter and l visited Maggie’s Centre in Cardiff and were welcomed with tea/coffee as soon as we went in. 
lovely staff and volunteers and no pressure to talk - just the loveliest, calmest retreat for people to visit and relax. Lots of help and advice available from professional and a tour of the place at your leisure. Just sit quietly in the snug if you wish or chat to others or read a book. Everyone is so kind and understanding. A ‘hideaway’ from the hospital and treatment in peace and serenity. 
Don’t worry - Maggies are places of love, care and support and help with advice on financial problems too. A place to seek out when you feel lost. Hope this help. 

I visited the Maggie’s Centre at St James’ Hospital in Leeds. Wasn’t sure what to expect but was greeted by a lovely lady who made me a coffee and had a chat with me. Showed me to a lovely restful area with comfy settees and chairs, so relaxing. Somebody came and sat with me and we had a lovely chat about my cancer diagnosis and also spoke about my husband who has had a recurrence of cancer too at the same time. I found it a very peaceful and reassuring place and I am sure that everyone of these centres are the same. Good luck in your journey

Mary

Thank you so much - that is really reassuring and helpful! I’ll pop in next week before my surgery :) x

Thank you so much - that makes me feel a lot better! I’ll pop in sometime next week before my surgery :) Good luck with your and your husbands journey too x

Hello jasmine3,

                          going will be one of the best decisions you will make in your life. For me it was a place of mental sanctuary where l put aside the demons that came with a stage 4 diagnosis, a calm oasis of understanding and support, always present but never thrust upon you. It is no overstatement to say that my time spent with Maggie's in Inverness played a huge part in my subsequent recovery which l remain hugely grateful for,

David

Hello Jasmine3

I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It's naturally a difficult time for you. Visiting Maggie's is a great idea as other members have already shared. I'm sure you will get a warm welcome. 

As you've mentioned, you're struggling with a lack of support at the moment I wanted to let you know about our team of nurses that you can call to talk with if you think that may be helpful. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information, and support they can. If you want to talk with them they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

I'm also going to tag in one of our forum regulars AngieT who has been living with stage 3 melanoma for quite a number of years and is very knowledgeable. I'm sure she will reply at some point to share some of her advice with you. 

Keep in touch Jasmine. We're here to listen and offer any support that we can. 

My best wishes for your surgery next week. 

Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi David - thank you so much, that is really reassuring! I’m going to pop in either today or early next week :) 

Hi Jenn,

Thank you so much - I might give them a call :) And thank you for tagging Angie, I’ve seen some of her replies when I was looking at forums while I was waiting for my biopsy results and she seems great! 

Thanks again - I really appreciate it! :)