Maggie's

Cancer support charity in the United Kingdom

Maggie's logo

Maggie's is a network of drop-in centres across the United Kingdom and abroad, which provide free practical, emotional, and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. The centres are built in the grounds of NHS hospitals and are designed by leading architects to be uplifting and welcoming spaces.

History

Maggie's was founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks and her husband, Charles Jencks, in 1996. Maggie was a writer, gardener, and designer who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. During her treatment, she recognized the need for a space where people could receive support and information in a non-clinical environment. After her death in 1995, the first Maggie's Centre was opened in Edinburgh in her memory.

Design and Architecture

Each Maggie's Centre is uniquely designed by renowned architects, creating a therapeutic environment that contrasts with the clinical settings of hospitals. The architecture of the centres is intended to provide a sense of calm and hope, with natural light, open spaces, and gardens playing a significant role in the design.

Maggie's Centre, Edinburgh

Notable Centres

• Maggie's Edinburgh: The first centre, designed by Richard Murphy, opened in 1996. It is located in the grounds of the Western General Hospital.
• Maggie's Glasgow: Designed by Rem Koolhaas, this centre opened in 2002 and is situated at the Gartnavel General Hospital.

Maggie's Glasgow

• Maggie's Dundee: Opened in 2003, this centre was designed by Frank Gehry and is located at Ninewells Hospital.

Maggie's Centre, Dundee

• Maggie's Fife: Located in Kirkcaldy, this centre was designed by Zaha Hadid and opened in 2006.

Maggie's Centre, Kirkcaldy

Services

Maggie's Centres offer a range of services, including:

• Psychological support from qualified professionals
• Benefits advice
• Nutrition workshops
• Stress management and relaxation classes
• Support groups and courses

These services are designed to complement the medical treatment provided by the NHS, focusing on the holistic well-being of individuals affected by cancer.

Expansion and Global Reach

Since the opening of the first centre in Edinburgh, Maggie's has expanded to include over 20 centres across the UK and several international locations. Each centre maintains the core philosophy of providing a supportive environment for those affected by cancer.

Related pages

• Cancer support community
• Hospice care
• Palliative care