Thurso-based cancer support centre is saved with £180k boost from Macmillan
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The future of a vital Caithness cancer support centre has been secured thanks to a £180,000 injection from Macmillan Cancer Support.
North Highland Cancer Information and Support Centre (NHCISC), based in Thurso, has been operating since 2008, but found itself in a crisis situation last year when it was on the brink of collapse.
The money, secured after two years of discussions with the national charity, will be used to recruit three part-time posts over a three-year period, with part of those roles including sourcing long-term funding to keep the centre running.
The NHCISC has been working closely with Macmillan Cancer Support to establish paid appointments for the centre, which was struggling to find enough volunteers.
It currently has more than 200 members from Thurso, Caithness and the north of Scotland, with around 30 people attending the regular coffee and chat drop-in on a Monday.
Malcolm Clark, a trustee of the charity, agreed it was transformational for the centre, which provides a free confidential service that supports men and women whose lives have been affected by cancer.
He said: “We reached a bit of a crisis a year or so ago – most of the committee are in their 70s or 80s – so a few had gone and the place nearly collapsed within a very short period of time.
“Over the last eight months we’ve had a temporary admin assistant in just to help us out.
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“What we’re hoping is that once we’ve got the people in place, during their three-year tenure while they are being sponsored by Macmillan, is to approach the wind farms, Dounreay and any of the big businesses and get funding in place to keep the post going, so that any donations coming in for the cancer centre will be used specifically for the centre.”
The three part-time roles at the Caithness centre will be a Macmillan health and wellbeing manager, a Macmillan volunteer co-ordinator and a Macmillan project/programme officer. Details of the positions and how to apply are on the centre’s website at www.nhcisc.org
It is hoped to complete the recruitment process by Christmas, with the first successful candidate starting in January.
The NHCISC was officially opened in May 2008 by John Thurso, the local MP at the time. Its aim is to provide emotional support and understanding that can only come from those who have been directly affected by cancer.
As well as the drop-in sessions, it also offers a health choir and a complimentary therapy day including massage, reflexology, reiki and hot stone massage. There is also a regular men’s support group.
