Double boost for cancer support centre in Thurso
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A local charity that helps people affected by cancer has been given a double boost after receiving support from two supermarket groups.
North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre (NHCISC) in Thurso has been selected by the Co-op to benefit from its Local Community Fund, while Tesco has awarded it a £1000 grant.
The centre is located at 5a High Street, just above the Cancer Research UK shop, and was officially opened in 2008 by Lord Thurso. Its aim is to give emotional support and understanding to people who have been affected by cancer, to listen to concerns and to discuss the difficult range of emotions experienced, such as fear and grief.
The centre has had to close its doors for the time being because of the pandemic but is “still here and ready to help”.
NHCISC volunteer Iain Gregory said: "The centre, which is run on an entirely voluntary basis, provides people with the information they need about all types of cancers and treatments. In addition – in normal times – to having a drop-in facility, the centre provides complementary therapies and beauty treatments, delivered by our professional therapists and beautician.”
NHCISC holds the Quality Environment Mark issued by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Mr Gregory said: "NHCISC, which relies entirely upon donations, legacies and fundraising, has been affected badly by the Covid-19 situation. Sadly we cannot open our doors again until the rules allow, and until it is totally safe to do so, but we are still here and ready to help, so we would ask people to visit our website www.nhcisc.org and get in touch if you need us.
“NHCISC receives no regular funding from anywhere, although we are very grateful to Highland Council for its support during the pandemic, and for the invaluable assistance given by local councillors Karl Rosie and Matthew Reiss.”
He went on: "Funding is always an issue for charities, and we are delighted to report that, following a successful funding bid, we have been selected by the Co-op as one of its 'local causes' for the Co-op Local Community Fund. In short, this means that if you are a Co-op member, and you select us as your chosen cause, then for every £1 you spend on Co-op brand items one per cent will go to the centre.
"That will be a lot of money over the period to October 23, 2021, during which we are a selected cause.
“We have also just heard that Tesco has awarded us a grant of £1000 via its Bags of Help scheme, which will pay for 40 therapy sessions for those who will so greatly need them when we reopen. We are very grateful indeed to both the Co-op and to Tesco."
Mr Gregory is asking Co-op members to visit their membership page and follow the links to choose North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre as their local cause, or to phone the Co-op on 0800 0686 727. Non-members can also join the Co-op for £1.
