Harnessing the power of words

Maggie’s cancer caring centre in Airdrie is planning to launch a new creative writing workshop, entitled Power of Words.

It is aimed at anyone living with cancer who would like to explore ideas around positive and negative language, the role it plays in their own experience, and how writing can help people come to terms with the emotions involved in their diagnosis.

The workshop, being rolled out at all Maggie’s centres across the UK, was part- devised by author and former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis, an honorary patron of the charity; and is funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Maggie’s Lanarkshire centre head Lorrie Forsyth said: “The way we talk about cancer, not only in the media but among friends and family and within the medical profession, can have an impact on people living with cancer.

“Language matters and words mean something; they affect our subconscious.

“When it comes to cancer there seems to be a separate language including words like ‘fight’, survivor’ or ‘ be positive’, which are often quoted at people with cancer with detrimental effects and can also make conversations with their nearest and dearest uncomfortable.

“Our creative writing sessions, as well as many other aspects of our support programme, can help people find the words that feel most comfortable for them, which most help them to express their feelings with ease, and raise awareness of the power that words can have when experiencing cancer.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the workshop is asked to contact centre staff by emailing lanarkshire. centre@maggiescentres.org or calling 01236 771199.

Our creative writing sessions, as well as many other aspects of our support programme, can help people find the words when experiencing cancer - Lorrie

Writer Janet Ellis is an honorary patron of Maggie’s