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CLAN to host community forum in Shetland

CLAN Cancer Support is inviting local people and organisations to help shape the charity’s services on Shetland by hosting a community forum in Lerwick.

CLAN is inviting local people to attend one of two open sessions within the Isleburgh Community Centre in Lerwick on Thursday, August 28.

The charity’s services manager Lucy Whiteman and fundraising manager Susan Crighton will be present at the two meetings where attendees will be able to share their views on how they think CLAN can support their community, as well as how it can complement health and social care services in Shetland.

CLAN has had a presence in Shetland since 2012, providing a range of free support services for anyone affected by cancer on the island and also operates a successful shop on Commercial Road in Lerwick.

The charity also provides an important link to the CLAN Haven, its unique accommodation facility that people who are affected by cancer and their families can stay in when they are attending Aberdeen hospitals for appointments and treatment.

Lucy Whiteman, CLAN’s services manager, is encouraging local people to attend the forum to share their views.

She said: “CLAN’s services are for anyone affected by cancer, whether it is patients, family carers, family members and close friends. Two years on from opening our centre in Lerwick it seems timely to review our range of support services to reflect changing needs.

“The forum will offer an opportunity for local people as well as representatives from health, social care and voluntary sector to give their views, helping to ensure that the services we provide in Shetland best reflect the community’s needs and requirements.

“Our services currently provided on the island range from counselling and complementary therapies to social and group activities and we’re keen to hear how we can strengthen these and maybe look at new areas of support that we could provide.”

Both meetings will be held on Thursday, August 28 at the centre on Lerwick’s King Harald Street. The first will run from 2pm-4pm with soup and sandwiches provided for those who attend. The second session will run from 7pm-8.30pm where teas and light refreshments will be available.

CLAN’s fundraising manager, Susan Crighton, will also be based in the charity’s centre in Lerwick on both Thursday and Friday (August 28 and 29). She said: “We very much rely on local support to ensure that we can continue to provide services locally. I look forward to catching up with as many people as possible during my visit and would encourage any local fundraisers and supporters to pop in to the centre.”

Those interested in attending either of the forum sessions are asked to confirm their attendance with Dana Millarkie, CLAN’s Shetland services co-ordinator, by emailing dana.millarkie@clanhouse.org or on 01595 720320.

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, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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