History

Cancer Support Scotland - Tak Tent (an old Scots' phrase meaning "Take Care") was founded by Sir Kenneth Calman in 1980, after acknowledging that people affected by cancer required more support.

It was recognised that when faced with a diagnosis of cancer, people need care which addresses four different aspects of the person – the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual. It was also recognised that within the medical environment, such total care was not able to be adequately provided and that there was room for additional support. Cancer Support Scotland was formed to bridge this gap.

Our work has continually continued developed over the last 30 years and we now provide a talking therapy service (counselling), complementary therapy, offer vital, up-to-date information and have a number of support groups across Scotland.

All this is provided free of charge and we rely on the generosity of legacies and donations to fund our work.

Cancer Support Scotland moved to its new headquarters, the Calman Cancer Support Centre, in 2012. The centre is on the site of the old Gartnavel Royal Chapel with was restored and renovated by Glasgow Building Preservation Trust (GBPT). Moving to the new Centre has more than doubled the number of services offered to clients.