Clan relocates to Islesburgh Community Centre
Clan Cancer Support is relocating its Shetland base to Islesburgh Community Centre, as the charity looks to expand its service offering and reach from the heart of Lerwick.
The leading north-east cancer support charity will have two dedicated areas within the complex on King Harald Street; a 15 sq metre office and a 41 sq metre multifunctional space to accommodate drop in appointments, complimentary therapy treatments, children and families work and group sessions.
Further spaces within the venue are available for the charity to rent as required, meaning additional events can be easily facilitated without the need to commit to a more costly rental agreement.
One full time area coordinator will be based within the centre along with a part-time dedicated children and families services practitioner who will work closely with families and young people in Shetland who are affected by cancer.
Local volunteers will further bolster the charity’s Shetland service, helping to deliver its core emotional support services with drop ins running every Monday from 10am – 4pm.
Kay Johnston, head of cancer support services at Clan, said: “It has been a long-term ambition to move our Shetland services to Isleburgh Community Centre, enabling us to have a presence within the heart of the island.
“The venue is a much-loved hub which brings together people from all walks of life in a friendly and relaxed environment, making it an ideal location for the Clan team to meet and support people in Shetland who are affected by cancer and to raise awareness of our services.
“The flexible accommodation and central location made this an opportunity too good to miss and we look forward to expanding our service offering and engaging more with the local community in the coming months. We are very excited about making the venue our new home in Shetland.”
Clan has confirmed an initial two-year occupational license deal with Shetland Islands Council and is understood to be the first charity to enter into this type of arrangement with the venue, with hopes for the agreement to be extended.
Davie Sandison, chair of education and families committee at Shetland Islands Council, said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to accommodate Clan Cancer Support in our premises at Islesburgh. Clan provide invaluable services to many people in Shetland who have been affected by cancer and this central location will undoubtedly improve access to services for those who need it.”
The charity’s Shetland centre was previously located on Commercial Street alongside its charity shop which closed earlier this year due to challenges following the pandemic. Clan continues to operate charity shops in Aberdeen, Ballater, Kirkwall and Peterhead.
Clan’s services will be based on the first floor of Islesburgh Community Centre from Monday, June 13, and will be open from 10 am to 4pm from Monday to Friday. Virtual and phone appointments will take place during the opening week with in person services returning from Monday, June 20.
Clan Cancer Support provides emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Over the last 39 years Clan’s services have grown significantly to address the emotional and social impacts of cancer and include counselling, children and families support and nutrition, health and wellbeing advice. The charity also operates Clan Haven which offers bed and breakfast accommodation near Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, providing affordable accommodation with onsite support for those who have to travel from home to Aberdeen for treatment.
The charity supports more than 2,500 people every year across 13 community locations, using qualified and experienced counsellors and therapists and support volunteers to ensure its clients wellbeing needs are taken care of at all stages of their cancer journey.
