CLAN to pilot drop-in service in Banff
A leading north-east cancer support charity is to pilot a drop-in service at Chalmers Hospital in Banff to gauge interest for a permanent local presence within the town.
CLAN Cancer Support is to provide the service on Tuesday evenings for eight weeks, giving the chance for anyone affected by cancer, whether a patient, family carer or friend, to gain free support and information on dealing with a diagnosis.
The charity is inviting local people to attend an open evening within the hospital on Tuesday, April 8 from 6pm to 8pm to mark the launch of the service. The evening will be a chance for people to meet some of the CLAN team and find out more about what the charity offers, such as therapies, counselling and services for children and families. Attendees will also be able to hear how they can become involved with the charity, with a number of volunteer roles available.
CLAN has already established a support service in north Aberdeenshire with bases in both Peterhead and Fraserburgh. The charity currently provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer across the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Lucy Whiteman, CLAN’s services manager, said: “CLAN is always looking to build on its existing support services in Aberdeenshire and the pilot scheme within Banff Hospital will determine whether or not establishing a permanent presence within the town is the next step in the growth of the charity.
“We’ve seen a positive pick-up of our services in Fraserburgh and Peterhead and we really are looking to extend our reach across the area, enabling our free support services to become accessible to as large a pool of people as possible.
“We are looking forward to working with Chalmers Hospital and the community to help deliver support locally. The open evening will provide people with the chance to receive an insight into CLAN and learn more about the work we do and how we can help those affected by cancer. I’d urge anyone interested to come along on the night to hear more about what services we offer and how people can get involved locally. “
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
