How you can support cancer patients in Manchester by just writing a letter

A charity is holding a free online workshop to encourage kind-hearted residents to write letters to Manchester cancer patients.

From Me to You helps people find the courage and inspiration to write to either a stranger or loved one living with the disease.

It is now hosting The Big Letter Write this month and The Maggie’s Centre in Manchester is one of the places which has signed up to receive correspondence for its patients.

What is The Big Letter Write?

The Big Letter Write is an online workshop being held by From Me to You on Thursday 21 October.

It aims to demystify how to write a letter to someone who is going through treatment or living with cancer, as people often struggle to find the right words.

The event will point out just how easy it can be to write a letter, even to someone who the person putting pen to paper does not know.

The workshop will also include tips on how to write a great letter, ideas for content and fun activities including making stationary and crafting envelope-sized gifts.

The charity says receiving a letter while battling cancer can make the world of difference to patients and hopes to inspire more people to take part.

The workshop will last for around one hour and starts at 7pm on 21 October.

What does the charity say about the event?

Alison Hitchcock, co-Founder of From Me to You, said: “We are thrilled to be able to host another Big Letter Write event as it is such a fun way to help people get pen to paper and write some wonderful letters.

“We often hear that emotional support can sometimes disappear as patients embark on surgery and treatment, as those close to them just don’t know what to say or how to communicate.

“Written notes are so special because they help people to express emotions and feelings that they might struggle to articulate face-to-face. The workshop will help individuals to tackle that first line of the letter, which is often seen as the hardest part.

“Letters are also a wonderful opportunity for the writer to grab a moment of reflection. Research shows that a routine of letter writing can increase levels of contentedness and lower instances of depression.

“It is often a time for people to discover a talent and that they never knew they had, as well as embarking on a new hobby.

“We always want our Big Letter Write to be relaxed and entertaining, so it’s not just about letter writing.

“There will be quizzes, stationary-making and fun letter facts thrown in too. It’s a great opportunity to grab a group of friends and try out something new.

“Letters create a legacy and the more we can write the more people there will be feeling connected and less alone.”

What is From Me to You?

From Me to You was founded in 2016 by Brian Greenley and Alison Hitchcock to inspire people to write letters to those living with cancer.

The charity says cancer patients often feel socially isolated as friends drift away after a diagnosis because they are unsure of what to say.

From Me to You says letters are a way to keep people connected at a time when they feel most disconnected and tries to support people to send correspondence to people going through serious health battles.

What is The Maggie’s Centre?

Maggie’s has a network of cancer care centres across the UK, including its Manchester one which is located at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

It provides support for people who have been diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones and can also signpost them to groups and activities that might benefit them.

It also aims to provide a calming space where people can have a cup of tea, meet others going through similar experiences or simply collect their thoughts.

The organisation was founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks . She was diagnosed with breast cancer and when she received the awful news that it had returned was left to digest this in a windowless hospital corridor with her husband Charles.

They agreed there was a need for somewhere better for people with cancer to go, that was close to the hospital but also outside of it.

The first Maggie’s centre was opened in Edinburgh in 1996.

How can I help?

If you want to take part in the letter writing workshop you can sign up on Eventbrite.

Anyone who would like to support From Me to You’s work by writing letters or receiving them can sign up at the charity’s website.