Jul 062017
 

With thanks to Clare Scott, Communications Consultant, CJS Communication & Marketing.

A local family charity has received a two-year pledge of support from the Aberdeen branch of Rathbones, a leading investment management company.

Home-Start Aberdeen has recently benefited from a £5,000 donation towards its work with vulnerable families in 2017. This donation will be repeated in 2018 after the scheme was selected by the Rathbones Aberdeen as its nominated charity.

Employees from Rathbones also plan to augment the initial donation by getting involved with additional fundraising activities over the next 24 months.

Meera Dennis, investment director at Rathbones said:

“We are aware of the work that Home-Start Aberdeen does to support families in our local communities, who may be struggling as a result of various challenges and circumstances beyond their control.

“The cause resonated with many of our team members and we are looking forward to deepening our involvement with Home-Start Aberdeen – and our understanding of their various support services – over the coming period.”

The support from Rathbones comes at a pivotal point in Home-Start Aberdeen’s history; the charity is currently celebrating 30 years of support for families in the city, however it faces the challenge of a growing waiting list.

Georgette Cobban (pictured), Home-Start Aberdeen’s scheme manager said:

“This new pledge of two years of support from Rathbones is incredibly welcome and very much appreciated.

“Home-Start Aberdeen currently has over 100 volunteers, who are working with more families than ever before, but we still desperately need to recruit and train more. Our third volunteer preparation course of the year is set to take place in August. The amount donated by Rathbones will enable us to deliver this crucial training with a view to helping families on our waiting list as soon as possible.”

Home-Start Aberdeen supports around 220 families and 360 children each year and is one of the largest Home-Start schemes in the UK. Its trained volunteers work with referred families to help them access relevant health and welfare services, manage family budgets and nutrition, engage with their communities and enjoy family life again.

Further information is available at www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

 
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Jul 032017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

Tuesday 6th June 2017, Aberdeen, Scotland – CLAN have been awarded a large grant. Photo credit: Newsline Media.

A north-east cancer charity has secured a funding boost from a leading UK wealth management firm which will enhance and develop support and wellbeing services for the community.
CLAN Cancer Support has received £100,000 from St. James’s Place Foundation, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, which will be used to enhance and expand the charity’s wellbeing provision for anyone affected by cancer.

The funds were awarded following a successful application and presentation to the Foundation and will allow CLAN to expand its current wellbeing support services offering, diversify complementary therapies and increase its existing therapeutic services.

The charity supports approximately 3,000 people affected by cancer each year throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

Shona MacAskill, Chartered Financial Planner at Gary Walker & Co. Wealth Management, a senior representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, advised that the Trustees of the St. James’s Place Foundation approved CLAN funding application for the full amount after being impressed by the charity’s impact on the local community.

She said:

“We are delighted to provide funding to CLAN Cancer Support following the charity’s successful application for £100,000 to enhance its wellbeing services in the area it serves across the north-east of Scotland, as well as Moray, Orkney and Shetland.

“We have a longstanding relationship with CLAN, having previously awarded funding to the organisation in 2010. I am thrilled that we are in a position to continue this support, working with the charity again as they continue to provide vital support to anyone affected by cancer in the heart of so many communities.”

Dr Colette Backwell, Chief Executive of CLAN Cancer Support, added:

“The award of funding from St. James’s Place Foundation is an important step in CLAN’s continued development as we continue to strive towards providing wellbeing services which fit with the needs and expectations of our clients, not just in CLAN House in Aberdeen, but throughout our community bases.

“CLAN’s wellbeing services, which we provide free of charge to anyone affected by cancer, are such a key part of many of our client’s journeys and are so highly valued by those who use them, as well as their families and friends.

“We are very proud to have secured the funding which will have a positive long-term impact on the services we can provide, and this success is an excellent reflection on our team here at CLAN who brought our services to life for those at the Foundation.”

The St. James’s Place Foundation is the charitable arm of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.  The Foundation has been supporting those in need since the Group’s formation in 1992. As a result of the commitment of its entire community, the Foundation has become one of the most successful company charities in the UK.

In 2016, the St. James’s Place community raised a record £7.6 million; this brings the total raised to over £54 million. Funds are distributed to hundreds of charities each year, with grants ranging from a few thousand pounds to more than £1 million.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit: www.clanhouse.org

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Jun 232017
 

A leading north-east cancer charity is launching a new event in the heart of Royal Deeside. With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

CLAN at the Castle will take place in the grounds of Crathes Castle on Sunday, September 10, to raise funds for north-east cancer support charity CLAN Cancer Support.
On the day, the historic castle will provide the backdrop for three sponsored walk routes and a fun day with inflatables, entertainment and refreshments.

The sponsored walks will cover one mile, 5.7 miles and 13 miles taking in woodland tracks around the castle grounds and local area.

The fun day will be open to all, with members of the public encouraged to come along, enjoy the day and support those taking part in the three walks.

CLAN Cancer Support Fundraising Team Manager, Steph Dowling, is looking forward to the new look event, which she hopes will become a firm favourite.

She said:

“For CLAN’s 30th birthday we celebrated with the first CLAN Landmark Walk, taking in various landmarks throughout Aberdeen city. Since then the event continued to grow in popularity but we felt it was time to open a new chapter and build on its success.

“CLAN provides support and wellbeing services throughout many communities in Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland and we felt it was important to mirror this in the location of what is one of our main fundraising events. After looking throughout the area Crathes Castle stood out as such a popular landmark in Aberdeenshire and one which was ideal for our revamped event.

“We really wanted to create a day which had something for everyone, whether you are taking part as an individual, families and groups or corporate teams. As part of taking on one of these challenges, walkers will get a free wristband for the fun day, with additional bands available for anyone coming along to support them.”

CLAN Cancer Support Chief Executive, Dr Colette Backwell, said:

“I am delighted that we are able to take such a fantastic event to the heart of Deeside, which is one of the areas supported by CLAN’s wellbeing and support services through our bases in Banchory and Ballater.

“Thanks to the dedication of individuals, groups of friends and corporate teams who raise crucial funds for CLAN at events like these, we are able to continue to develop the wellbeing and support services needed for people affected by cancer right in the heart of local communities.

“We are already looking forward to CLAN at the Castle and I look forward to welcoming many old and new faces to the event.”

For full event details, to register for the walk or purchase wristbands for the fun day, please visit www.clanhouse.org. The event also requires a number of volunteers, full details of how you can help can be found on the website.

The fun day will run between 10am and 4pm with wristbands available at the venue for £5 or in advance from www.clanhouse.org

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Jun 162017
 

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

A north-east charity’s flagship shop is urging shoppers to make the most of a special sale as it prepares for a new look.

CLAN Cancer Support’s shop on Aberdeen’s Rosemount Place has launched a 50% off sale as it prepares to close for internal and external work.

It will close on Friday (June 16) to allow the charity’s team of staff and volunteers to transfer stock to CLAN’s other shops. 

Anyone wishing to donate new goods to CLAN should take contributions to the charity’s shop on Chapel Street, Aberdeen.

CLAN Cancer Support Senior Shop Manager, Kirsty MacDonald, is looking forward to revealing Rosemount’s new look later in the summer.

She said:

“We now have a network of five shops which provide CLAN with a vital income stream, directly supporting the delivery and development of the wellbeing and support services we provide for anyone affected by cancer.

“Our shops thrive thanks to the fantastic volume of donations we receive and the generosity of our customers who understand the importance of their support. Donations really are the life blood of our shops, so I encourage people to continue to drop any donations at our Chapel Street shop.

“Rosemount is our flagship store, it’s very popular with Aberdeen shoppers, in an area surrounded by fantastic independent retailers. The building has had a number of setbacks recently due to flooding, and with this now resolved it is an ideal opportunity to create a more enjoyable environment for our valued and loyal customers and supporters.

“The new look shop will be the first to take on a new image for CLAN shops which will, in time, be rolled out across others in Ballater, Orkney and Shetland.

“In the meantime there is still a fantastic range of clothes, ornaments, jewellery, books and equipment in stock, so please visit the shop before the 16th June and you might just grab yourself a special bargain.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Jun 082017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

A leading north-east charity is calling for volunteers to support a popular event in the heart of Aberdeen City.

The Big Bounce is a weekend-long event which will see giant inflatables fill the Roof Garden on top of Aberdeen’s St Nicholas mall and offers everything families could need for a great day out.

In its second year, the event will take place from Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, with local primary and secondary schools and clubs invited to take part in the event on Friday, June 16.

Ruth McIntosh, CLAN Cancer Support’s Fundraising Coordinator, is appealing for anyone who can help over the course of the weekend to get in touch with the charity.

She said:

“We are delighted that CLAN will again be one of the benefactors from the Big Bounce event.

“However, the event can only go ahead with the support of volunteers who help to man the inflatables and ensure everyone has a fun and safe day out. We are appealing to anyone who can spare even  just a couple of hours to get in touch.

“Our volunteers had a great time last year, sharing such a fun day out with families and helping to raise funds for CLAN and Great Ormond Street Hospital in the process.

“It was such a great success last year and we are really looking forward to seeing the event grow and develop.”

The event is part of the national ‘One Great Day’ fundraising initiative created by Bon Accord & St Nicholas centre owners BMO Real Estate which will see over 150 UK shopping centres raise money for children’s charities across the country.

To volunteer, please email ruth.mcintosh@clanhouse.org or phone 01224 647000.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Jun 022017
 

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

A leading north-east cancer support charity is urging people to snap up its last remaining places for Aberdeen’s inaugural Great Aberdeen Run.

CLAN Cancer Support currently has limited spaces remaining for both the 10km and half marathon races which take place on Sunday, August 27th.

Ruth McIntosh, CLAN Cancer Support’s Fundraising Coordinator, said:

“We were delighted to be able to secure charity places at the first Great Aberdeen Run. To be part of such an important day for the city is really special and lots of our supporters are already well into their training for the event.

“If the recent Baker Hughes, RunBalmoral or Edinburgh marathon events have inspired you why not sign up and support a local charity in the process.

“Every pound that our runners raise during events like the Great Aberdeen Run help us to make great strides in continuing to grow and develop the wellbeing and support services we provide, free of charge, to anyone affected by cancer throughout north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.”

To secure one of the remaining places, please contact ruth.mcintosh@clanhouse.org or 01224 647000.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Jun 022017
 

With thanks to Clare Scott, Communications Consultant, CJS Communication & Marketing.

An Aberdeen-based family support charity is using Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June 2017) as a springboard to successfully conclude its 30th anniversary campaign to recruit 30 new volunteers within 30 weeks.

Home-Start Aberdeen has been supporting families who are vulnerable, or who may be at risk of isolation, for the past three decades.

This support is largely provided by volunteers, who are trained by the charity and matched with a family who they visit on a weekly basis.

Having started life as a small project operating from a box room within Mastrick Church, Home-Start Aberdeen is now one of the largest Home-Start schemes in the UK.

The charity provides over 220 families and 360 children with around 27,500 hours of support each year, however it continues to operate a growing list of those who are in need of help.

“We have had a tremendous response to our 30 in 30 campaign since launching it in February,” said Georgette Cobban, scheme manager (pictured).

“Our second new cohort of volunteers are currently undergoing training, which will bring our tally to 20 out of the 30 new volunteers we would like to recruit by September.

“We plan to run our next volunteer preparation course in August and we would urge anyone who thinks they might be interested to get in touch for an informal chat. Full training is provided by Home-Start Aberdeen – all we ask for is a time commitment of 2-3 hours per week to provide a local family with emotional and practical support in their home setting.”

For further information on volunteering opportunities with Home-Start Aberdeen, email volunteering@homestartaberdeen.org.uk or telephone 01224 693545.

Home-Start Aberdeen is a voluntary organisation, offering support and friendship to vulnerable families. Its small staff team trains and co-ordinates over 100 volunteers who provide families with emotional and practical support in their own homes. Those who are referred to the charity must live within the city and have at least one child under five years old, otherwise there are no barriers to access. To find out more, visit www.homestartaberdeen.org.uk.

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May 252017
 

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

A leading north-east charity has introduced three new support groups for people in Aberdeen and the surrounding area.

The new support groups, introduced by CLAN Cancer Support at its CLAN House base in Aberdeen, offer tailored support for carers, men and those wishing to explore the benefits of gentle exercise.

With the aim of providing peer support for men affected by cancer, CLAN has introduced a film night for men, with the relaxed and informal group open to CLAN clients, family members, carers and friends.

Taking place on the first Tuesday of each month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at CLAN House, it is held alongside the charity’s Carers and Supporters Wellbeing Group.

Aimed at those supporting someone who has cancer, the carers and supporters group offers help in partnership with the VSA Carers Resource Service.

Iona Mitchell, CLAN’S head of cancer support services, said:

“Each of our new groups offers friendship and peer group support in a welcoming and supportive environment.

“The response to each group has been very positive. Our Men’s Movie Night and Carers and Supporters Wellbeing group run alongside each-other and offer the opportunity for individuals, or couples, to come to CLAN House on the same night and access support appropriate for their needs in a group environment.

“The Movie Night has been introduced as an informal way for men to relax and enjoy a film, with the option of speaking to others who may be in a similar position to themselves.

“In addition, by linking up with VSA we can deliver a programme of talks and information sessions which are specific to people caring for, or supporting an individual with a cancer diagnosis, ensuring they are aware of the resources available to them and giving them the chance to speak to people who are also caring for a loved one.”

And for those wishing to find out more about the benefits of light exercise, the CLAN/Macmillan Move More walking group is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and take part in gentle exercise.

Led by a trained walker, the group meets at CLAN House weekly on a Friday at 10.30am for a one to two mile walk, returning to CLAN House for refreshments.

Iona added:

“We also now have our Move More walking group in association with Macmillan, which gives individuals the chance to speak to CLAN personnel in an easy going environment while also reinforcing the benefits that low level exercise can have on a person’s wellbeing.

“These walks are open to all CLAN clients as well as anyone affected by cancer and anybody who feels they would benefit some companionship and relaxed exercise is welcome to join us.

“We’ve found that gentle activity like this can be beneficial to those experiencing a cancer diagnosis and our group is also a great way to meet people who are perhaps dealing with similar thoughts, feelings and challenges.”

For more information about any of CLAN’s new groups, please contact Jill Sharp on 01224 647 000.

For more information on the Moving More walking group, please contact movemore@sportaberdeen.co.uk or 01224 047925.

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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May 052017
 

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Account Manager, Jasmine Ltd.

CLAN Cancer Support has introduced a new monthly drop-in information and support session in Aberdeen.

The leading north-east cancer charity will provide the service on the first Saturday of each month, offering free support,
information and services to anyone affected by cancer.

Taking place on Saturday May 6 between 9.30am and 1pm at CLAN House on Westburn Road, no appointment is required, with anyone interested invited to ‘drop-in’ to the centre.

A full range of CLAN services will be available throughout the morning including complementary therapies, children, teens and family support and access to CLAN’s information library. Members of staff, along with trained support volunteers, will also be on hand to assist anyone visiting CLAN for the first time.

Visitors can also talk to representatives from CLAN’s Children and Families teams, who can provide specialist advice and support to individuals and families. The drop-in session replaces the charity’s monthly coffee morning, allowing for a greater focus on information support.

Iona Mitchell, CLAN’s head of cancer support services, said:

“CLAN is committed to making its services as accessible as possible and we’re encouraging those interested in hearing how CLAN may be able to help them and their loved ones to head along to our drop-in session on Saturday.

“This will be a change from our previous weekend opening, which included a coffee morning. By opening our doors on a Saturday morning, with the focus on service provision, we aim to ensure that people who may not be able to visit a CLAN centre during the week can also access our vital support services. The sessions are open to anyone affected by cancer and are relaxed and informal.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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Apr 282017
 

With thanks to Jessica Murphy, Senior Account Executive, Citrus:Mix.

Generous individuals from throughout the north-east have come together to raise more than £10,000 at a leading cancer support charity’s annual fundraising lunch.

CLAN Cancer Support welcomed 280 guests to Ardoe House Hotel and Spa last week for one of the charity’s biggest fundraising events of the year.

Star of Channel 4’s First Dates CiCi Coleman hosted the popular event, which included a prosecco reception, 2 course lunch, guest speaker, auction, raffle and a Michael Bublé tribute act.

Guests heard from Claire Fleming who spoke about her Christopher’s CLAN challenge fundraising effort in memory of her brother who died of cancer when Claire was a teenager.

Claire is bringing in funds for CLAN to help other families going through a similar experience, as she realised how much she would have valued the support of the organisation herself.

In advance of the lunch, table hosts were provided with a donation bag that they could fill with any unwanted clothes and items that could be handed over to CLAN on the day.

The donations gathered will be used to stock the charity’s busy shops on Rosemount Place and Chapel Street – with a fantastic 56 bags donated on the day.

The lunch was sponsored by BP for the eighth year, enabling every penny of the money raised to go directly to CLAN’s provision of free cancer support services across the north and north-east of Scotland.

Dr Colette Backwell, chief executive of CLAN, said:

“Year on year, our CLAN lunch continues to be generously supported by the people of the north-east and it was wonderful to see so many people there on the day.

“I took the opportunity to highlight how the funds raised from last year’s lunch have been spent on extending the geographical reach of CLAN’s service provision, development of our Children and Families Service which now supports over 350 children and their families, and CLAN Haven which, in 2016 provided accommodation on over 9250 occasions to cancer patients and their families from remote locations in the north-east attending Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for cancer treatment.

“CiCi was a fantastic host and we also appreciate Claire Fleming joining us and sharing her story with guests. We are delighted to have raised £10,000 and I would like to thank everyone who continues to back us. This support is hugely appreciated by our clients and everyone at the charity. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to BP for their continued commitment in supporting us through the event.”

CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides comfort, support and information, free of charge, for anyone, of any age, affected by any type of cancer. CLAN aims to support people to reduce anxiety, stress and to increase their ability to cope with the effects of a serious illness.

Based in Aberdeen, the charity covers the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. CLAN has a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Elgin, Buckie, Inverurie, Fraserburgh, Lossiemouth, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick.

For more information about CLAN Cancer Support, please call (01224) 647 000 or visit www.clanhouse.org

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