CLAN Reaches Out Into Aberdeen Community
A new outreach service will be launched in Aberdeen this week by a leading north-east cancer support charity.
CLAN Cancer Support currently provides services in 13 towns across north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, ensuring communities have local access to wellbeing and practical support for those affected by cancer.
The charity is now embarking on a drive to reach the heart of communities in Aberdeen by holding drop-in sessions in a number of health centres and GP practices across the city from January 16.
The relaxed and informal sessions are open to anyone affected by cancer and will enable the public to access information and support from trained CLAN volunteers and staff. Visitors do not have to be a patient at the participating health centre to access the charity’s new offering.
Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said: “At CLAN, we are committed to reaching out to communities across the geographical area in which we operate, including areas of Aberdeen City.
“The aim of this initiative is to reach out to people in Aberdeen who are affected by cancer and may be unsure about where they can turn for support and advice, or in fact what support is available in their local area. The sessions are available, not only to patients, but to anyone in their immediate circle.
“We want to bring CLAN closer to the heart of communities in Aberdeen and provide support whenever it is needed. The informal drop-in sessions will offer information and support as well as a signposting service to a number of services offered by CLAN including wellbeing support, counselling, complementary therapies and support to children and teenagers.
“This new initiative works hand-in-hand with our presence in communities across the north-east, ensuring anyone affected by cancer can visit one of the practices involved to access the support they, or someone they know, may need. The health centres we are piloting this initiative with have been incredibly supportive and I would like to thank them for all of their assistance.
“We want people to know that if they need emotional support and advice, it is available and we are here to help in whatever way we can.”
Sessions will be held once a week at three health centres in Aberdeen at the following times: Garthdee Medical Group, Tuesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Calsayseat Medical Practice, Wednesday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Kincorth Medical Practice, Wednesday, 1pm to 4pm.
