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Call out for volunteers at Thurso cancer centre – 'It opens up the door to friendships and companionships'


By David G Scott

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A drop-in centre based in Thurso seeks volunteers to help it in its aim to provide a cosy informal atmosphere for people who have had cancer and families affected by it.

The North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre (NHCISC) based at number 5a on Thurso's High Street is a small independent charity that provides emotional support and information about treatments and services to anyone affected by cancer in Caithness and the north of Scotland.

Volunteers and members in the Thurso cancer centre enjoy a chat together. It provides an invaluable resource for many struggling with the killer disease. Picture: DGS
Volunteers and members in the Thurso cancer centre enjoy a chat together. It provides an invaluable resource for many struggling with the killer disease. Picture: DGS

Liz Smith, a volunteer at NHCISC said: "We are here as a support for people who have had cancer and their families.

"It's somewhere for them to come and have a chat or to have a social occasion. We can provide them with information and direct them to an appropriate body or department if they need more advice."

The centre provides a free confidential service, that supports men and women whose lives have been affected by cancer. Also available within it is an extensive library of information on all types of cancer, a lounge where people can gather together for an informal chat with tea and biscuits, a private space for those that need it and a special therapy room for relaxation.

Joan Mackay has volunteered for 13 years at the cancer centre and explained different therapies available to help relax people. Picture: DGS
Joan Mackay has volunteered for 13 years at the cancer centre and explained different therapies available to help relax people. Picture: DGS

All the volunteers have had personal experience with cancer and can help discuss difficult issues such as fear and grief in the gentle surroundings of its lounge or more privately in its quiet room.

Liz added: "After people finish cancer treatment there's very little help beyond that, so this place is a resource centre and we're here to give as much support as we can. We provide a therapy centre [open Thursday 10am to 4.30pm] for anyone that wants it, with massage, Reiki, reflexology and whatever the person feels would benefit them – at no cost at all."

Joan Mackay has volunteered at NHCISC for around 13 years and talked about some of the beneficial therapies hosted by the centre to help relax people. "We also do makeup and nails on a Monday with a beautician which has to be pre-booked," she said.

The atmosphere is informal with tea and biscuits available. The cancer centre hopes to attract more volunteers. Picture: DGS
The atmosphere is informal with tea and biscuits available. The cancer centre hopes to attract more volunteers. Picture: DGS

There are currently 18 volunteers at the centre but more are desperately needed to help keep the facility functioning at its best to provide all the support that is needed. "We need more volunteers to give as much support as we can. We put new windows in, new heating, carpets and the place was redecorated during lockdown," said Liz.

John Black who attends the centre as a member has been suffering from prostate cancer and said that his daughter was also diagnosed with cancer four years ago. "There's a men's group where we have talks and my granddaughter came in to talk about her work with Befriending Caithness. We also had a Macmillan nurse come in," said John.

From left, members John Black and Frances Purves with volunteer Stan George. They said the centre has been a great support for them. Picture: DGS
From left, members John Black and Frances Purves with volunteer Stan George. They said the centre has been a great support for them. Picture: DGS

Frances Purves from Wick lost her partner to lung cancer a number of years ago but last November she found out she herself had cancer. She said: "I really wanted to be with others who had cancer. I'm really pleased to be here and it's really helped me."

Volunteer Stan George said that, apart from volunteers, NHCISC was looking for new members and "especially younger people" to come along. "I've been coming for 12 years and it's been a great support. It opens up the door to friendships and companionships. There's a lovely camaraderie in the place."

Volunteer Joan Mackay greets member William Hepburn. Picture: DGS
Volunteer Joan Mackay greets member William Hepburn. Picture: DGS

Liz added: "People might think of a cancer centre as gloomy and depressing but you won't find that here. There's good company and we have days out in the summer. People seem to really enjoy coming and speaking to others.

"In order to keep this place going we need new blood and especially younger blood so it would be lovely if younger people would come along to give us a hand. We've been so lucky in the past with all the support we've had and all the money we receive stays in Caithness."

If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more about becoming a member of the cancer centre, what therapies are available and its opening times then visit this link: www.nhcisc.org/

You can also phone the centre on 01847 890996 and email it at cancer.support@btconnect.com

The North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre is at 5a High Street, Thurso. KW14 8AG


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