Community / Cancer charity moves across town
CLAN Cancer Support is relocating its Shetland base to Islesburgh Community Centre in Lerwick as the charity looks to expand its service and reach.
The leading north-east cancer support charity will have two dedicated areas within the complex after the move on Monday (13 June).
One is a 15 square metre office and other will be a 41 square metre multifunctional space to accommodate drop in appointments, complimentary therapy treatments, children and families work and group sessions.
Further spaces within the venue are available for the charity to rent as required, meaning additional events can be easily facilitated.
The charity’s Shetland centre was previously located just off Commercial Road alongside its charity shop, which closed earlier this year due to challenges following the pandemic.
One full time area coordinator will be based within the new centre along with a part-time dedicated children and families services practitioner who will work closely with families and young people in Shetland who are affected by cancer
Local volunteers will further bolster the charity’s Shetland service, helping to deliver its core emotional support services with drop ins running every Monday from 10am – 4pm.
Kay Johnston, head of cancer support services at Clan, said: “It has been a long-term ambition to move our Shetland services to Isleburgh Community Centre, enabling us to have a presence within the heart of the island.
“The venue is a much-loved hub which brings together people from all walks of life in a friendly and relaxed environment, making it an ideal location for the Clan team to meet and support people in Shetland who are affected by cancer and to raise awareness of our services.
“The flexible accommodation and central location made this an opportunity too good to miss and we look forward to expanding our service offering and engaging more with the local community in the coming months. We are very excited about making the venue our new home in Shetland.”
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Clan has confirmed an initial two-year occupational license deal with Shetland Islands Council and is understood to be the first charity to enter into this type of arrangement with the venue, with hopes for the agreement to be extended.
The council’s education and families committee chairman Davie Sandison said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to accommodate Clan Cancer Support in our premises at Islesburgh.
“Clan provide invaluable services to many people in Shetland who have been affected by cancer and this central location will undoubtedly improve access to services for those who need it.”
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