The situation with COVID-19 is an ever changing situation. Our priorities during this outbreak are to reduce illness and ensure we continue to support the wellbeing of those affected by cancer.
The situation is rapidly evolving and we are monitoring this closely as well as following expert guidance from the NHS, Health Protection Scotland and the Government.
We are committed to continuing with our services to support those affected by cancer and ease their stress and anxiety. Through speaking to individuals over the last week and in particular the last 24hrs we know their anxiety has only increased.
Based on the need to protect our staff, volunteers and those affected by cancer, the team has taken the decision as of 9am on Wednesday the 18th of March to make the following changes to our service provision:
Outreach:
All outreach services delivered within local authority libraries and in partnership with MacMillan Cancer Support are temporarily suspended until further notice.
Calman Centre:
Given we are able to control the access to the Calman Centre in Glasgow and the cleaning regime we are able to offer a reduced service to those affected by cancer.
Counselling appointments are available at the Calman Centre. We are staggering appointments to avoid cross infection meaning the number of appointments we are able to offer will be limited. To continue to deliver counselling we will also temporarily introduce Telephone Counselling which will ensure we can support those who need us even if they can’t reach us.
The Complementary Therapy service will continue from the Calman Centre and will offer non-contact therapies including: Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Reiki, Guided Visualisation and Breathing Techniques. There will be 4 appointments each day with a 45-minute space in between to allow for a deep clean.
Our Podiatry service will also continue on Tuesdays to Thursdays for people impacted by their cancer treatment to help them stay mobile. Again these appointments will be limited and a deep clean will happen in-between appointments.
The drop in element of the Calman Centre is temporarily suspended as is our hosting of the Head & Neck Cancer Group- Heads Up Scotland. We are looking at ways to support stress management through digital approaches.
Given this is a challenging time, our Wellbeing staff are looking to develop self-help guides and videos with advice which will be displayed on our website.
All public fundraising events are temporarily suspended which will have a massive impact on our income. We would therefore welcome any discussions with funders (trusts, foundations, individuals and the Scottish Government) to support our efforts in supporting those with cancer. As a charity we rely solely on voluntary raised income and we will be monitoring our income in the coming weeks.
The wellbeing of those affected by cancer, staff and volunteers is of the utmost importance to us. We ask that only those with an appointment come into the Calman Centre to help us continue to safely provide support during this time.
The Cancer Support Scotland team is here for your wellbeing. We will continue to work in the best interests of those affected by cancer and ensure their wellbeing is supported.
I am very proud of the way my team have rallied together and assessed in a safe manner how we continue to support the wellbeing of those affected by cancer.
Thank you.
Rob Murray
Chief Executive Officer