A leading north-east cancer support charity is seeking support volunteers in Orkney.

CLAN Cancer Support has been providing free services to anyone affected by cancer for over 30 years and currently enlists the help of over 400 volunteers across the north and north-east of Scotland, giving in excess of 40,000 hours of support to the charity per year.

The charity is appealing for individuals who have a passion for working with people in a supportive, practical and empathetic way as it looks to increase its pool of volunteers on the islands.

CLAN delivers a range of free services locally, including wellbeing and information events, fortnightly health walks, expressive writing, craft & art classes as well as a monthly ‘Peedie Blether’ group, all of which are possible as a result of support from volunteers.

Support volunteers currently help a wide range of people affected by cancer, including clients, carers and other family members, by offering a listening ear or by working alongside them to address support or wellbeing concerns. They also have an important role to play in helping signpost them to other services provided by the charity.

All CLAN volunteers have access to support, full training and ongoing development opportunities, with regular volunteer support meetings as well as counselling supervision available.

Lucy Whiteman, CLAN’s services manager, said: “CLAN’s support volunteers are such a massive part of the charity and we’re looking to add to our pool within Orkney as we look to increase the services we currently provide.

“You may have relevant life experience and can demonstrate skills in supporting people affected by illness, either personally or professionally or you may be undergoing a career change, studying, have experience in coaching, health, counselling, arts or group work. People who possess any of these attributes are perfect for volunteering and we’d be delighted to speak to you a bit more on how you could get involved.

“Ideally, we’re looking for people who could potentially provide a minimum commitment of six months which could be broken down to a few hours every week or second week. The opportunities really are perfect for those looking to meet new people alongside helping CLAN continue to provide free cancer support services across the area.”

CLAN offers support and information five days a week at its support and wellbeing centre at 30 Victoria Street, Kirkwall. Those interested in discussing a potential support volunteer role in more detail, please contact CLAN’s Orkney area co-ordinator Karen Scott on 01856 873393 or email orkney@clanhouse.org

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN 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 whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For further information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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