Purchase of Kirkwall Base Celebrated
A leading cancer support charity has cemented its commitment to the communities of Orkney by purchasing the building which is currently home to its Kirkwall base.
CLAN Cancer Support has occupied the whole building at 30 Victoria Street since February 2009, and during this time has created a crucial community resource providing services and support for anyone affected by cancer.
During the past eight years, the premises has been refurbished and developed in response to the needs of the local community.
The charity has invested in the building, creating bed and breakfast accommodation for those traveling to the mainland for treatment at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. As well as being home to the charity’s wellbeing and support centre, the building also houses a shop which provides a vital source of income for the charity.
Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN Cancer Support Chief Executive, believes this is an important step for the charity and shows its commitment to providing valuable support and wellbeing services for anyone affected by cancer.
She said: “CLAN is passionate about delivering the support and wellbeing services people affected by cancer need, in the heart of their local community. This commitment is especially important for people who experience the challenges of living in rural and isolated areas.
“During my visits to Orkney I have been very aware of the passion in the area for the services CLAN provides and just how much CLAN has been taken into the heart of the community. By purchasing the property we are safeguarding this crucial community resource and are showing our commitment to developing the services our clients require right in the centre of the community.”
Karen Scott, CLAN’s Orkney Area Coordinator said: “From the moment we stepped foot inside the building the community of Orkney has been outstanding in its support.
“Over 130 individuals and businesses took part in Challenge CLAN to transform the first floor flat, over 9 days, into our own haven, a home from home. This is mainly used by patients travelling from the outer islands to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for appointments and treatment.
“Thanks to the Big Lottery Fund, and Community Spaces Scotland, a large therapeutic garden was also created for clients to enjoy. This quiet, peaceful space was developed with the help of SSE and BT staff as well as the Connect Project, Criminal Justice Departments Community Pay Back Scheme and a host of individuals.
“To have more than 130 volunteers and businesses helping us to refurbish the premises initially was beyond anything we could have imagined, and the amazing community support has continued since then.
“This is an exciting time for CLAN Orkney and I look forward to working with the local community to take CLAN Orkney to the next stage in its journey.”
CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.
Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.
For further information about CLAN in Orkney, please contact Karen Scott on 018568 73393, or email karen.scott@clanhouse.org
