Arran Cancer Support Trust (ArCaS) has secured two rooms in Brodick which will help the charity manage its operations and effectively engage with people who have cancer concerns in an uplifting and supportive environment.
The new hub is on the western side of the pharmacy building at the ferry terminal and features two rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom.
ArCaS chairman Mike Dobson said: “A key feature of the hub is our ‘room to talk’ rooms which are designed to be a colourful, comforting and calming environment where people with cancer concerns can take a break, have a brew and talk informally with us.
“No-one on Arran should be shy in reaching out to us if they are impacted by cancer in any way as we are here to help on multiple fronts, including arranging and meeting the cost of transport to and from mainland hospitals, contributing towards emergency accommodation bills and funding some complementary therapies”.
ArCaS will be developing this room further in the coming months, adding resources, such as educational and self-help books that cover a wide range of cancer-related topics. It will also be used by the existing cancer support group for its monthly meetings and there is scope for other small scale gatherings and presentations to be accommodated.
Initially, the room will be open from 10am until 3pm every Monday and Wednesday, starting from Wednesday May 8.
Also in the new hub is a room where the charity can carry out its administration work and meet with potential volunteers, partners and supporters.
Earlier this year, Jacqui Letby took on the part-time role of ArCaS co-ordinator. She is responsible for helping knit together the charity’s services for people impacted by cancer, including working with their volunteer mainland drivers who meet people from ferries in Ardrossan and Troon. Jacqui can be contacted on 07398 477434 and by email arcascoord@gmail.com
With the ArCaS charity shop in close proximity, some space in the administration room can be used for stock storage and rotation, giving shop volunteers a less cramped environment in which to work.
An official hub opening will take place in the summer, when thanks will be given to the many people and organisations who have helped with this project so far, through the provision of goods and services, often at discounted prices or for free.
ArCaS is a voluntary organisation which provides free and confidential services to patients. The charity was founded in 1989 to support patients and carers on Arran who were struggling with the challenges of cancer.
ArCaS is funded by donations and money raised at the ArCaS charity shop which is staffed mainly by volunteers.
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