This  is volunteers week and CLAN Cancer support is featuring some of its hard working helpers.

Moira King volunteers at CLAN’s shop in Kirkwall, as well as at the charity’s Orkney drop-in centre in Victoria Street, Kirkwall.

Commenting on her volunteering Moira King said:

“I have volunteered for CLAN for seven years, and it has made a real difference to my life. I like the people I work with and I get really good support myself from the team, which is good as I live on my own. It is a really rewarding job, as you see how you can help people.”

Freda Findlay CLAN volunteer Orkney

Another volunteer Freda Findlay added:

“I came to work in CLAN as I like to try new things. The training we get is excellent and it enables us to support everyone who walks through the door. It is a lovely place to be. There is always someone here who will listen.”

Karen Scott who is the Cancer Support Area Services Manager said:

“CLAN could not provide the services it does without volunteers. As well as working in our shop, our volunteers help out at our fundraising events, and work at our centre in Kirkwall welcoming anyone who is affected by cancer. Every single volunteer is a fundamental part of the services we provide.”

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. CLAN supports those who have a cancer diagnosis, as well as their friends and family members.

Dr Colette Backwell, CLAN CEO, added:

“The services provided by CLAN are free to all. We are available not just in the city and towns but also in local communities through our outreach services, so we rely heavily on the hard work, professionalism and kindness shown by our volunteers.

“We have volunteers of all ages, men and women, from all walks of life. Everyone brings their own unique skills and personalities which makes for a fantastic team. However, everyone shares a desire to support other people and a compassionate nature.

“The training we provide enables our volunteers to listen carefully to clients and identify which services can best meet their needs, and we work hard to make sure our volunteers get the support they need as well. Volunteers’ Week is an opportunity to highlight the important work everyone does, whether it is at one of our centres across Moray, Aberdeenshire and the Northern Isles, at one of our shops, or at one of our fundraising events. On behalf of the CLAN board, the staff and our clients, we say thank you.”