Arran Cancer Support opens a new hub in its 35th year

Mike Dobson, ArCaS chairperson, said: “Within the hub, we have a ‘Room to Talk’, which is a colourful, comforting and calming environment where people with cancer concerns can take a wee break, have a brew and talk informally with us.

“A second room is multi-functional; providing an area for the charity’s co-ordinator to manage transport-related services and work on projects that trustees continue to develop; supporting stock rotation for the nearby ArCaS charity shop; and later this year will be equipped to show occasional online talks from specialists located on the mainland who have cancer-related information and advice to share.

“I would like to thank the many businesses and individuals who have generously donated items to help make the ‘Room to Talk’ such an inviting area, including Howdens in Ardrossan which donated the kitchen. Special mention must also go to Brodick business O’Hare Building & Supplies Ltd as it undertook work to floors, ceilings, walls and doors across the two rooms which make up the hub and were very generous with its time."

Recognising the many volunteers that have helped ArCaS do such good work over the last 35 years, the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Arran made the first cut into the special birthday cake before heading outside and unveiling the exterior sign for the new ArCaS Hub to applause and music. Dr Guthrie even led spectators into a street reel, to the tune of Sweet Caroline played by the band.

ArCaS will be developing the ‘Room to Talk’ further in the coming months, adding resources, such as educational and self-help books that cover a wide-range of cancer-related topics. It is already used by the existing cancer support group for its monthly meetings and there is scope for other relevant small scale gatherings and presentations to be accommodated.

The ‘Room to Talk’ is open from 10am until 3pm every Monday and Wednesday. Appointments for other times can be made by contacting Jacqui, ArCaS co-ordinator, on 07398 477434 and by email arcascoord@gmail.com.

If you are impacted by cancer in any way, contact ArCaS as it helps on multiple fronts, including arranging and meeting the cost of transport to and from mainland hospitals, contributing towards emergency accommodation bills and funding some complementary therapies.

ArCaS’ annual general meeting takes place on Wednesday September 4 in Ormidale Pavilion at 5.15pm.