Macmillan's Bupa counselling

I assumed it was for everyone with or without cancer. I have just applied for more counselling through NHS24 as I am beginning to struggle a bit again with Jay still trying to get over sepsis while still having the cancer. Had another `meltdown` yesterday and this prompted me to apply for it again so phoned NHS24 and got on to the DBI course again telephone counselling over 2 weeks. Helped the last time hope it does again. 

Vicky x

Is that just for Scotland PattyK?

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/counselling/
This is a link to information on how to access talking therapies through the NHS however no idea how easy it is to access this . 

Take care ,

Court 

Hi Artsie!

It's thru NHS24 I don't know if they work in regions but mine will obviously be NHS Scotland. There is NHS England/Wales I think. I got in contact with them through the 111 service. There is NHS Inform as well again though I don't know if it's just Scotland. 

Hi Crumpets Or Toast

A possible help is contacting local Maggies ?

Family members of my own who were going through cancer with their loved one received family counselling during cancer journey, and also bereavement counselling.. now I know Maggies offer counselling in conjunction with macmillan … They may & worth exploring if  they fund  other counselling outlets / providers. Or possibly point you in right direction/ or family members group within their own establishments.

I must admit I personally have found Maggies a godsend!… I’ve not received counselling . But just by popping in , having a chat & a cuppa in a safe , understanding environment was ‘a counselling experience’ in its own.  

In Scotland, some local authorities & MacMillan are available community settings like libraries , community centres etc , again sometimes a cuppa and a chat  can relieve a load of emotions.

May also possible if your family workplace offers counselling within their policy framework for employees.

Good point Still Game . My sister and I went in for the first time to the Maggie’s centre at the Beatson . They were just lovely . As a carer it was so lovely to have someone ask how we were coping with the long hall aspect .

They gave us a lot of information on de stress and fitness classes . My sister has the information so can’t quite remember the breakdown of patient /relative info .

They also have a class on make up etc for patients only and some destress and exercise classes . But it was also a welcome relief for a place to sit comfortably with a cup of tea while treatment is ongoing . A time to pause and process .

Maybe we need to think about resources that help and are accessible . Maggie’s has a lot to offer .

Court 

I’m so pleased to read your positive visit to Maggies.

Yes there is lots of things on the go within their establishments. As you say , fitness make up , etc .. 

computer availability, garden space , treatments etc

Different group sessions or individual help.. quiet spaces, books on many cancer related subjects , and just a heads up for any MALE members there is men groups , infact last time I was there the Gentleman were receiving ‘ The Big Scottish Fry Up’ ( oh it smelled great!) & I was very kindly offered breakfast , I declined ( my psychological greed tormented me rest of day lol) & didn’t want to intrude in the Gents , but the banter between them certainly lifted spirits.

Only take us 14 years to step through the door and wished I had done it earlier . After the first cup we have to make ourselves at home and help ourselves.

I turned round to see tears streaming down my sisters face . You forget what you are going through at times . So busy heading forward !

Take care ,

• Court 

Everyone seems to like Maggie's, wish there was one near...

Yes I've always heard very positive things re Maggies.

Here there are 2 possible future Maggies in neighbouring counties proposed, but none currently in operation here or there.

My county's Macmillan info + support centre stopped getting resourced since late 2022.

Guess funding priorities are on different things. Real shame.