Please note our office opening hours are 09:30-15:30 Monday to Friday
Our cancer support services
Cancer support services
Patient transport
This is, without a doubt, the most important part of all that we do to help cancer patients and their carers. Since most cancer treatments and specialist consultations take place in Glasgow (mainly the new Beatson at Gartnavel) or other places which can be equally inaccessible to those without their own transport. North Ayrshire Cancer Care provides an essential service to cancer patients, free of charge, paid for by donations from the community. This includes those with their own transport who would find it stressful finding a place to park and trying to make their way to the right department.
N.A.C.C can arrange transport to and from:
- The Beatson / Gartnaval
- Glasgow Royal Infirmary
- Victoria Infirmary
- Southern General Hospital
- Stobhill Hospital
- Hairmyres Hospital
- Western Infirmary
- Inverclyde Royal Hospital
Please note this list is not exhaustive. If you're not sure or would like to book your journey, please get in touch.
Reiki
Reiki is a gentle but powerful “hands on” technique, which restores the natural balance in the body. It provides deep relaxation thus evoking a sense of peace and wellbeing. It works on the emotions, mind and spirit as well as the physical body. It complements but does not substitute
the healing properties of all modalities, including orthodox medical treatment, natural therapies,
massage, physiotherapy etc. It can be given in conjunction with any other treatment and is safe, non-intrusive and non-manipulative.
A full session takes approximately one hour. You may fall asleep, be silent or talk. During your Reiki treatment you lie on a table fully clothed, covered with a blanket. The practitioners’ hands are placed in specific sequence of positions on your head, front and back. They gently rest in each position for between three and five minutes. After the treatment your body will be releasing toxins, so please drink plenty of water.
Counselling
Counselling provides the client with an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with a sensitive and responsive listener. This can help people to come to terms with their own illness or
that of a loved one. Some people are fortunate in having support from their family while others find themselves isolated. People are often encouraged to be “positive” by their families whereas what they actually want to do is express their despair.
Counselling with its particular combination of understanding, concern and objectiveness can be of help to people in this situation. Although counselling can be difficult to ask for, people often find it a relief to talk to someone outside the family who can enable them to explore their feelings at all stages of the cancer
experience. The benefits of counselling vary depending on the problems presented by the client. It can help alleviate feelings of isolation; assist in developing new coping mechanism; help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression; enhance communication skills and promote a sense of control.
Our counsellors are experienced and fully qualified to Diploma level, they hold full accreditation with their professional body, or are currently working towards this. Counselling and therapy staffare trained to support cancer patients, families and carers with a client led/centred approach. In addition, the Clinical staff are fully supported with regular supervision/mentoring. All of these services provided take place within a confidential and sensitive setting, and for those clients who are too ill to attend the support centres, the services can be provided within the comfort of their homes.
Card and craft group
The card and craft group meet on Tuesdays from 10am - 12.30pm. The ladies create many different things in card and craft lines which are sold at our fayres etc, but the most important 'end product' is the positive, therapeutic effect that the time spent together has on the individual.]
The company, the friendships, the joy of being together, the laughter over a cup of tea, being creative together. These things are more important than the items they make. If you have a mind to find out more about filling a space in your life, the ladies of the group have an open door and would welcome you into their circle. You don't even have to have a skill - just the willingness to share is all you need.
Art group
Those who attend the art group learn to paint in water colours, acrylics and pastels. Come along for a visit - you can sit and watch, or you never know, you might fancy a try! Honestly, no experience necessary and you're always guaranteed a warm welcome. The group meets at Muirside Lodge on Thursdays between the hours of 1pm - 3pm. Some of the achievements created are sold to raise funds for the organisation and enquiries are always welcome without obligation to buy.
Pamper sessions
After a difficult or stressful time, there's nothing like a bit of pampering to make you feel a bit more human again. This simple but effective pick-me-up takes place at Muirside Lodge on the last Friday of each month between 12.30-14.30. Tea, coffee and sandwiches are provided followed by a mini facial and makeup. After that, the women have a good catch up on the latest and you'll leave the centre feeling like a new person.
If you'd like more information about any of our support services,
contact North Ayrshire Cancer Care on