New Cancer Support Centre
Clan Cancer Support is launching a new centre in the heart of Deeside this Wednesday, 14th April. Located on Banchory's Bridge Street, the centre will provide a safe and supportive space for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.
The Banchory centre will operate on an appointment-only, part-time basis which clients can book via Clan's website. The booking system will ensure compliance with social distancing and other measures to ensure clients' safety. Initially, Clan will be offering emotional support and their Children and Families service to ensure those affected by a cancer diagnosis can seek the help they need.
Helen Hasnip, Clan's Deeside Area Coordinator, said, "We're thrilled to open our new centre in Banchory this week. It will be opening on an appointment-only basis, providing vital emotional and practical support for cancer patients and their families, including our dedicated, professional children and families service. When restrictions ease, we will also be offering therapies and support groups to give people the peer support we find helps so many through their cancer journey. Due to the significant demand for our support before the pandemic, we started the plans to bring a new centre to Banchory, so it is a real pleasure to see our plans come to life."
Clan has supported people affected by cancer throughout the past year through telephone, online and face to face support and is encouraging those dealing with a cancer diagnosis to get in touch.
The Banchory centre marks a renewed commitment from the charity to offer cancer support hubs in the heart of the north-east's communities, despite facing significant challenges in the past year.
Clan's Chief Executive, Dr Colette Backwell, said, "Following the challenges presented by the pandemic, we are delighted to be able to resume cancer support services at all of our centres, adhering to strict protocols designed to protect our clients and staff. We have lost a significant proportion of our funding in the past year, which is all self-generated. To bring to fruition this expansion of our services in Deeside, with the support of local donors and local Friends of Clan Deeside group, is hugely important for Clan and those affected by a cancer diagnosis in Banchory and surrounding areas.
"Cancer patients have been particularly hard hit during the pandemic due to delays in diagnosis and treatment and the support that Clan provides is vitally important to help them and their families cope with the emotional trauma. To continue to do this, Clan needs the support of local communities and I urge anyone who would like to help through volunteering or fundraising to get in touch."
Clan is encouraging anyone facing a cancer diagnosis to book an appointment with their support team today by visiting www.clancancersupport.org, calling 01330 538 967 or email banchory@clancancersupport.org
