Huge uptake in cancer support telephone service
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A cancer support telephone service set up in the north-east has been welcomed, figures show, and communities are being asked to help.
CLAN Cancer Support established a one-to-one telephone support line across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray having temporarily closed its centres due to the coronavirus pandemic.
After its first week, the service has supported over 500 people, including those who have a cancer diagnosis, their spouses and relatives and those who are recently bereaved.
From Orkney to Inverurie, CLAN’s professional team has provided advice, support and counselling to people of all ages.
Furthermore, its Children and Families Service has also been called upon to offer support to families who are affected by cancer.
Telephone support is based in Aberdeen, Banchory, Crimond, Elgin, Inverurie, Kirkwall and Lerwick with support teams providing emotional support and professional counselling services over the phone and by email as well as offering signposting advice to other agencies who are able to help during the coronavirus outbreak.
CLAN’s head of services, Iona Mitchell, said: “We are pleased that our team is able to continue to offer our vital support services in the community as we know this is an extremely difficult time for those affected by a cancer diagnosis.
“People undergoing treatment for cancer are particularly vulnerable, and whilst self-isolating is a worrying and lonely time for everyone, those with a cancer diagnosis can find it very challenging.
“A phone call or email conversation with the friendly and knowledgeable team at CLAN can make a huge difference and our clients have been extremely grateful for the support we an offer.
“The team at CLAN is also working hard to add information and resources to our website and social media channels to ensure we can reach as many people as possible who would normally drop-in to our centres across the north-east.”
CLAN’s two largest fundraising events that were due to take place in May have been postponed, and the charity has called out to the north-east community to ask for financial support to ensure it can continue to provide vital cancer support services.
CLAN chief executive Dr Colette Backwell said: “During these very difficult times, we are continuing to provide our support in whatever way we can, including keeping our bed and breakfast facility CLAN Haven open for those travelling to ARI for treatment.
“However, as we face the postponement of our major fundraising events, we need to ask our neighbours and friends to help us.
"For a donation of £10 people can pay for daily transport to hospital for those undergoing treatment.
"A donation of £20 will cover a telephone cancer support session and £30 will cover the cost of an overnight stay for a cancer patient at CLAN Haven.
"However, any donation would be very much appreciated to help support families facing cancer at this difficult time.”
For more information about CLAN Cancer Support and how to donate please visit: www.clanhouse.org.
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 outreach in Ballater, Banchory, Buckie, Crimond, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Lossiemouth, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.
Telephone numbers as follows:
Aberdeen 01224 647000.
Moray 01343 544132.
Deeside 07720 737497.
Inverurie 01467 624687.
Orkney 01856 873393.
North Aberdeenshire 01779 487176.
Shetland 01595 697275.
