During the month of July, people affected by cancer took part in the first ever family sessions at Maggie’s Lanarkshire. Adults, teenagers, and children took advantage of the school summer holidays to enjoy activities including:-

Eating Well
Different generations had the chance to talk about healthy eating, and to experiment with creating their own fruit smoothie recipes. Thanks to dietician Linda Thomson for her expertise and for bringing along her portion-size models which always inspire lively discussion.

Relaxation in the Woods
Familes gathered in Strathclyde Park with folks from the Forest School and members of the Maggie’s team. Everyone learned forest crafts like starting a fire without matches, and using natural resources to create some “green” artwork. We also enjoyed cooking food around our campfire, and finished with an outdoors relaxation session. The youngest participant was two years old and had great fun!

Indian Head Massage workshop
Maggie’s visitors brought along family members and friends, and therapist Agnes McCluskey demonstrated how to use the basic techniques of this relaxing therapy on each other. The workshop was very popular and we anticipate lots of practice now happening in homes throughout Lanarkshire.

Scrapbooking
We had a creative afternoon when parents and children of all ages brought along some special photos and tried their hands at scrapbooking. This always generates interesting discussion about the photos people have chosen, and the techniques used to record special memories for future generations. Visitors created some beautiful pages using lovely papers and decorative embellishments, and left feeling relaxed and inspired!

These activities all incorporated elements of the regular Maggie’s programme of support, in a family-friendly way.

Maggie’s Lanarkshire is an uplifting, welcoming place where people with cancer, their family and friends can receive the support they need. People are welcome to drop in for a chat with one of our Cancer Support Specialists or Clinical Psychologist, or join in our regular programme, such as relaxation groups, tai chi, scrapbooking, benefits advice; workshops and courses on living with cancer and its treatment or coping with stress; and sessions focusing on eating well or hair loss.

For more information, please call Maggie’s Lanarkshire on 01698 358 392 or drop in on weekdays between 9am-5pm. You can also email lanarkshire@maggiescentres.org.