5 Minutes With… Beatson Cancer Charity

11 June 2025 — jessica-bailey

We spoke with Beatson Cancer Charity to learn more about the vital support services they offer people affected by cancer, across the west of Scotland. 

Tell us about your organisation? 

Beatson Cancer Charity was formed on 27 February 2014 following the merger of Friends of the Beatson and The Beatson Oncology Centre Fund. The resources of these two charities were brought together to create a single charity dedicated to supporting The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Beatson Cancer Charity is based in Glasgow and provides support for people across the west of Scotland.

What services do you offer people living with cancer?

Beatson Cancer Charity provides:

· Wellbeing services including complementary therapies, wig fitting, hairdressing and podiatry for people living with cancer.

· Group Support: 1) The Fear of Recurrence group programme is for those who have experienced fear of their cancer returning. 2) The Living with Uncertainty group programme is for those living with incurable cancer.

· Befriending Service for people who are current or former patients of The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and their family members.

· Specialist Health and Work Service provides support with work-related issues for people living with cancer and their carers.

· Bereavement Service provides support for adults who have been bereaved by cancer where their loved one was treated at a west of Scotland hospital.

Do you have a target demographic who use your services?

Services are offered to adults.

How are you funded?

We are a charity.

Has anything changed for your organisation since the pandemic?

The Befriending Service was developed as a response to the pandemic. Group Support changed from solely in person service delivery to offering our groups online. The Specialist Health and Work Service developed workshops as part of the covid response and these were offered online. The Wellbeing Service developed virtual relaxation sessions.

All these services are still available as it allows wider access for people who perhaps wouldn’t be able to engage in person.

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do?

Hearing feedback from people who have used our services about how the support provided by Beatson Cancer Charity staff and volunteers has made a difference in their lives.

What would you say to those who are considering getting in touch with you but are nervous or apprehensive?

We are very approachable and would love to have a conversation about how we might be able to support you.

Do you have testimonials from people that have used your services?

“Thanks again for being here for me, this would have been so much more difficult without having you to talk everything through with!” – Specialist Health and Work Service client.

“I honestly cannot thank you enough for your support along this journey. The information you provided, your listening skills and knowledge regarding employment rights has been truly appreciated.“ – Specialist Health and Work Service client.

“For me personally, it was like a ‘warm embrace’, with us openly sharing what we are all as individuals, still going through and how we deal with such going forward.” – Bereavement Service client.

“I felt better than I expected after our call. Already feeling a bit lighter after saying a few things out loud and not being judged for it…thank you.” – Bereavement Service client.

“I think the centre is such a fantastic facility for those undergoing treatment and their families. It is an oasis of peace and normality; welcoming and full of love, kindness, compassion and laughter.” – Feedback about Wellbeing Centre.

Who works for you?

You can read all about our team on our website here – www.beatsoncancercharity.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-team

What are the values of your organisation?

· Person-centred

· Authentic, Honest & Transparent

· Compassionate & Caring

· Inspirational & Innovative

· Collaborative

· Committed to Excellence

And finally, can you describe your organisation in 3 words?

Care, love, hope.

You can read more about the work of Beatson Cancer Charity, and find tailored support, by visiting their website at www.beatsoncancercharity.org. If you’d like to discover other support services in your area, please search on Cancer Care Map’s homepage using your postcode.