Cancer Support Services in Inverness | Spotlight

30 January 2022 — lia-rogers

There are over 6,000 local and national support services listed across the UK on Cancer Care Map. Today we’re spotlighting some of the cancer support services available in and around Inverness.

Maggie’s Centre – Highlands

Maggie’s centres are a national charity providing help for anyone affected by cancer including friends and family. The Highlands centre is located at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness and offers information, activities, and a space to meet and share experiences with others. There are various support groups, welfare and benefits advice, wellbeing workshops and complementary therapies. People are encouraged to drop in for a chat or visit the website for more details.

Nancy’s Natters 

Free monthly massage service by cancer trained therapists, for anyone who has experienced breast cancer. It offers massage sessions on the first Thursday of the month from 1.30pm till 3.30pm, followed by the chance to have a cup of tea or coffee and a relaxing, friendly chat.

Orchid Penile Cancer Support Group 

Independent online peer support group for people in Scotland with the condition and their partners. The group is facilitated by a penile cancer advocate and is supported by nurses from Orchid Male Cancer Charity.

Hamish Dear’s Warm Hugs

Charity offering practical and financial support to people affected by childhood cancer. This includes paying for day trips, short breaks, gifts and entertainment for children being treated for cancer on a hospital ward. Gift vouchers are available to families with children being treated at the Schiehallion Day care Unit at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow and at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital.

Partnerships for Wellbeing

Charity promoting health and wellbeing through health walks and community transport. Its free, weekly health walks aim to support people’s physical and mental health and its transport scheme helps local people get to and from health care appointments at a cost. It also runs a free monthly face to face book club.

Highland Breast Care Association 

Charity for people living with breast cancer. It works in partnership with Raigmore Hospital staff, including the Breast Care Nurses. Meeting in person on the second Monday of the month, with guest speakers on various subjects and an exercise class for those with or at risk of lymphoedema during spring and autumn.

Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool

Charity providing hydrotherapy assessment and treatment for adults and children in the Highlands. Hydrotherapy is recommended by doctors and physiotherapists to speed up rehabilitation after injuries and operations and as part of self-care for painful long-term conditions. Please see website for timetable, prices and further information.

Highland Hospice

Hospice offering care for people living with life limiting conditions. Services include pain and symptom management, befriending, therapy services, physiotherapy and spiritual care. Support is provided at home, in care settings or within the hospice. Counselling and bereavement support for patients and loved ones is also available.

For more, head to the Cancer Care Map homepage and type in your postcode and/or relevant keywords.