More people than ever are turning to Maggie’s Yorkshire for help alongside NHS cancer treatment, a sign of how vital emotional, practical and psychological support can be at every stage of the journey.

The Maggie’s cancer centre in Leeds welcomed a record number of visitors last year, as more people sought support to help them cope with the impact of their cancer diagnosis.

The increase reflects a growing need for the kind of wraparound support that sits alongside medical care, from a listening ear and expert guidance to help with day-to-day worries.

It’s a reminder that cancer doesn’t just affect your body. It can touch every part of life, and many people want somewhere to talk things through in a calm, supportive setting.

During 2025, Maggie’s Yorkshire, based at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, supported more than 17,000 visits from people with cancer and their families. That’s 2,325 more visits than the previous year, an increase of almost 14%.

In the same period, the team delivered more than 18,500 one-to-one and group sessions, underlining the role Maggie’s plays in helping people navigate cancer, whatever their situation.

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, you’re in treatment, you’re adjusting afterwards, or you’re supporting someone you love, the centre offers expert help tailored to your needs, when you need it.

Amanda Procter, centre head of Maggie’s Yorkshire, said: “These figures show just how many people across Yorkshire rely on Maggie’s for support during one of the most challenging times of their lives. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect your physical health; it can impact everything from your mental health and relationships with family and friends to your work and finances.”

“Our support makes such a difference to how people cope with the challenges of a diagnosis, and I want everyone affected by cancer across Yorkshire to know that Maggie’s is here for you for as long as you need us.”

Maggie’s centres are designed to feel calm and welcoming. Visitors can drop in for a chat with cancer support specialists, psychologists and benefits advisers or join gentle exercise sessions, nutrition workshops, art therapy and peer support groups, all without an appointment or referral.

The charity also offers tailored one-to-one psychological support for people dealing with anxiety, low mood, fear of recurrence and the side effects of treatment. Practical guidance is available too, including advice on work, money and benefits, help with changes to family life, and support for carers and loved ones.

Christine’s story.

Christine Kaye

Christine Kaye, from Leeds, has been supported by Maggie’s Yorkshire after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She initially attended a Getting Started session at the centre, which is offered to people about to start treatment and helps prepare them for what to expect and how to manage.

Christine says: “I first heard about Maggie’s after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

A kind NHS nurse handed me a bundle of leaflets about Maggie’s and told me about Getting Started.

At first, I was overwhelmed, but halfway through, things started to click. They made me feel at ease and helped me understand what was happening.

“The NHS is incredible, but Maggie’s has time for you and that’s what people need to understand. You walk through that door, and everyone makes you feel like a special person again.

“My husband is six foot tall with a big personality, always the strong one. When we walked into Maggie’s, he shed a tear. This big, bold man moved by the warmth and safety he felt.

From that day, he came with me every time. We had a little space near the entrance, and we just felt relaxed.

“My two grandchildren were struggling with it all, so we took them to Maggie’s as well.

We sat at the round table as a family, it was lovely. They were made to feel special, and I could see they felt reassured. Maggie’s is a beautiful space.”

In addition to one-to-one support, Maggie’s Yorkshire offers a wide-ranging programme of groups and workshops. These include men’s meet-ups, nutrition sessions, gentle exercise classes, support for brain fog and fatigue, and dedicated support for family and friends, as well as workshops delivered in partnership with St James’s University Hospital.