Opened in June 2005, Maggie’s Highlands is introducing the programme after recognising the difficulties that people from remote regions, such as The Highlands, islands, Moray and Argyll, face in accessing the centre at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.

The 3-day programme is designed to offer a range of information, psychological and emotional support and practical advice to people who would not normally be able to drop into the centre before, during or after their treatment.

The First Minister's visit proved the ideal platform for announcing the outreach programme, with him enjoying a tour of the centre and speaking with staff and centre users.

Carole Bridge, Centre Head of Maggie’s Highlands said: “We are thrilled that the First Minister is here to announce our brand new programme, which we believe will make a huge difference a large number of people living with cancer.  Maggie’s Centres are for anyone affected by any type of cancer and we aim to make it as easy as possible for people to drop in to gain access to our free professional information and support.  But with the Highlands and Islands being so vast that isn’t always easy. This is why we are introducing our 3-day programme, so that people can come to Inverness for a few days and experience all that Maggie’s has to offer. On behalf of those people and Maggie’s I would like to thank Alex Salmond for his genuine interest in our outreach programme and for helping us to promote its importance.”

Over 4,500 people currently access Maggie’s Highlands on an annual basis, with the pilot programme set to expand this figure. People taking places on the course will be offered help in with transport and accommodation.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “I am delighted to help Maggie’s Highland launch their new three-day programme which offers support for those living in remote and rural areas.

“This new programme will provide a variety of sessions which aim to provide cancer patients with the tools and techniques to cope with the devastating affect the disease can have on their lives.

“Cancer will affect us all at some point in our lives, whether as a patient, carer, friend or family, and this is why Maggie’s has such a valuable role in providing information, psychological and emotional support in partnership with local NHS Boards.”

Alex Salmond decided to visit the centre after chatting to nine-year-old local boy, Jonathan MacLeod, at a recent school visit.  Jonathan described to Mr Salmond how much help his mum, Marion, and his family had received from the centre, since her cancer diagnosis. 

Jonathan was at the centre today and was once again pleased to meet the First Minister, especially after he put his name down to sponsor Jonathan £25 for the forthcoming 5k Baxters Loch Ness Run.  Fellow visitors to the centre that day also put their names down to sponsor Jonathan, with local corporate supporter, Scottish and Southern Energy, agreeing to match fund whatever he raises.

The 3-day programme will be held on October 7-9 and will offer people living with cancer a wide range of support. Optional sessions throughout the 3 days will include: Benefits Support, Stress Management, Yoga for beginners, Nutrition Workshops, Relaxation, Tai Chi and Expressive Writing. The programme will also offer people the chance to sit down, ask questions and find answers. It is also a chance for people to meet and talk to others who are going through a similar experience.

There are 10 places available on the 3-day program and they are available to anyone affected by any type of cancer, at any stage of their journey – recently diagnosed, receiving treatment, or finished their treatment. The centre is not just for people who have or have had cancer, but also for their family and friends as their lives are also impacted.

For more information about Maggie’s Centres visit www.maggiescentres.org To talk about the 3-day program and receive a full timetable and details call Carole Bridges on 01463 706306 or e-mail highlands@maggiescentres.org

You can watch the video of the First Minister's visit to the Highlands on the Scottish Government website (opens in a new window).

ENDS

For more media information contact Murray Easton on 0141 341 5681 or email murray.easton@maggiescentres.org

Notes to Editor:

•    Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres aim to help people live with, through and beyond cancer
•    Maggie’s Centres offer a programme of information, psychological support and relaxation to people with cancer, their friends and families.
•    Maggie’s programme of support is free of charge and operates on a drop in basis.
•    There are currently five existing centres in Scotland located in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Highlands and Fife, with an interim service available in Lanarkshire (interim service).
•    Maggie’s Highlands opened in June 2005
•    The Highlands centre receives an average of 20 visits per day