CLAN enhances services in Forres move

A LEADING cancer support charity hopes to widen its reach when it moves to a larger space in Forres this month.

Since April CLAN Cancer Support has offered drop-in support and information every Friday at the town's health centre. From Friday, January 17, however, the service will be based at The Lodge, at 3 High Street, where it plans to enhance its support through wellbeing activities such as "look good, feel good" sessions.

The charity has seen a 15% increase in the number of people coming forward to seek support over the time it has operated the outreach service from Forres Health and Care Centre.

The drop-in sessions are manned by CLAN staff and fully-trained support volunteers who provide practical and emotional support and specialist support for children and families affected by cancer.

Tracy Sellar, CLAN services area manager, said: "We were at Forres medical centre from April 18 and are very grateful to the staff for allowing us to be there and for their ongoing support.

"We are looking forward to our new space which will give us more room and the ability to support more people.

"We have seen an increase in the number of people accessing our services and so it is great to be able to offer more space.

"Additionally, we will be linking with some of the other wellbeing activities which take place at The Lodge, to enhance our service provision.

"Our friendly and welcoming team of staff, volunteers, counsellors and specialists are all fully trained to support anyone affected by cancer in Forres."

Services will run at The Lodge every Friday afternoon from 1-4pm and are available to anyone affected by cancer. Volunteers will be on hand to offer a listening ear, support, signposting and information. Children and families worker Jill Stewart will also be available to help.

CLAN will offer a programme of wellbeing services and events, including relaxation and mindfulness, "look good, feel good", and counselling.

People are being encouraged to offer their ideas on what other services they would like to see CLAN provide at an informal meeting with Iona Mitchell, head of cancer services, at the Lodge on Friday, February 7, from 1.30-3.30pm.

A stakeholders meeting will also be held on Friday, February 14, at 2pm at The Lodge. All welcome.

Anyone interested in the cancer support provided by CLAN should call 07809 339820 or contact elgin@clanhouse.org. It offers comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. It 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 north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. In Moray CLAN also has a presence in Buckie, Elgin and Lossiemouth. For more information, visit www.clanhouse.org or call 01224 647000.

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