A charity has set up a dedicated telephone support service to provide continued emotional and practical support during the coronavirus pandemic.
CLAN Cancer Support, which has recently temporarily closed its centres across the north-east to protect vulnerable clients, is providing telephone-based support for anyone affected by cancer.
The charity provides person-centred, community-based, professional cancer support services free of charge to anyone impacted by cancer and their families and friends, throughout the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Staff and volunteers at each of CLAN’s bases are now available on local telephone numbers to talk to anyone affected by cancer, whether they themselves have a cancer diagnosis or they are concerned about a relative or friend.
A message from our Chief Executive, Dr Colette Backwell in light of the Coronavirus outbreak. Please watch here: https://t.co/iinwrgOWCM
— CLAN Cancer Support (@CLANnow) March 19, 2020
Telephones are manned in Aberdeen, Banchory, Crimond, Elgin, Inverurie, Kirkwall and Lerwick.
CLAN’s head of services, Iona Mitchell, said: “We recognise the importance of maintaining our vital support services in the community during what is a very difficult time for all.
“Over the coming days and weeks, we will be working hard to ensure that support is available to existing and new clients throughout the north-east of Scotland.
“The need for cancer support does not go away despite the pandemic, and in fact anyone affected by cancer may have an increased need for the support, reassurance and connection that our expert team can and will continue to provide throughout this period of uncertainty and change.
“Since we started the telephone support service on Monday, the team has been contacting all current clients, and people have been extremely grateful for the support we can offer.
“The comfort and reassurance of a friendly and known voice and the assurance that we will be here for all throughout this time has come as a great relief to our clients.”
Although CLAN’s support centres are temporarily closed, CLAN Haven, the charity’s bed and breakfast facility in Aberdeen for those attending cancer treatments, remains fully open.
CLAN Moray is also continuing to provide transport for clients accessing treatment at ARI, a service that is vitally important to clients living in remote and rural areas.
For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, call 01224 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org.
