Ayrshire Support Groups
Ayrshire Branch of the Scottish Association of Prostate Support Groups
Scottish Charity No. SC 029158.
Newly restarted as a working group of the above Association on 10th May 2005 with the aims of (a) promoting awareness of Prostate Cancer and its treatment among the people of Ayrshire, (b) support for members of the public who have been diagnosed/suffered Prostate Cancer and their carers and (c) the improved detection and treatment of Prostate Cancer in Ayrshire and, through the Association, in Scotland.
Membership is free and open to all patients with prostate problems, relatives and carers who support the aims of the Group. The Ayrshire Group is entirely self financing and donations to assist with achieving the above aims are most welcome.
Are you worried about the possibility of having prostate problems, have you been diagnosed or suspected as having prostate cancer, do you want to speak to someone with similar problems, either privately or informally in a group setting, or do you simply want to assist with the aims of the Association?
Contact us by mail to SAPCa, Algo Business Centre, Glenearn Road, Perth, PH2 ONJ, by Email at supportprostate@tiscali.co.uk or (in Ayrshire) by Email to prost8@tiscali.co.uk or telephone 01294 211244. Our web site, with further information and various ‘links’ can be accessed at www.prostatescot.co.uk
In conjunction with the Oncology Unit at Ayr Hospital we now provide a Patient Contact scheme. If you are worried about anything concerning prostate problems you can be put in touch with one of our members who has had similar problems and/or treatment. Get in touch via the Ballochmyle Suite, Ayr Hospital or by phoning one of our contact numbers.
Jim Steel
Chairman.
Largs Bosom Buddies
A local friendly group for anyone who has had cancer or going through treatment.
Get-togethers held in Lounge, Main Street, Largs, all welcome, we offer tea, biscuits, friendship and support.
Syllabus 2011
Dates of Meetings
Tuesday 1st February – 2pm
Wednesday 23rd February – 7.30pm
Tuesday 1st March – 2pm
Wednesday 30th March – 7.30pm
Tuesday 5th April – 2pm
Wednesday 27th April – 7.30pm
Tuesday 3rd May – 2pm
Wednesday 25th May – 7.30pm
Tuesday 7th June – 2pm
Wednesday 29th June – 7.30pm (family night)
Tuesday 5th July – 2pm
Wednesday 27th July – 7.30pm
Tuesday 2nd August – 2pm
Wednesday 31 August – 7.30pm
Tuesday 6th September – 2pm
Wednesday 28th September – 7.30pm
Tuesday 4th October – 2pm
Wednesday 26th October – 7.30pm
Tuesday 1st November – 2pm
Wednesday 30th November – 7.30pm (family night)
December and January – no meetings.
Speakers and any changes will be intimated in the Largs and Millport Weekly News under 'News in Brief'.
Outings and social events for 2011 to be arranged.
We are also starting exercise classes every Wednesday in Curves, Largs at 2pm. The exercises will be varied every week including meditation and will be programmed to meet everyone's needs. The first class will be on 12th January.
For more information contact Liz Kennedy on 01475 675709.
Crosstalk Laryngectomy Support Group
A Larnygectomy is when someone has their voice box removed either totally or partially and is one of the lesser known types of cancer. The above group was formed in August 1996, and meets the first Wednesday of every month from 2pm-4pm in the Lister Centre at Crosshouse Hospital.
Our aim is to help the patient and their relatives/carers both physically and mentally come to terms with this operation. We have members who are willing to visit pre-operation and post operation, either at home or in hospital if requested to do so.
We as a group are linked to the National Association of Larnygectomee clubs and through this we can try and get our type of cancer better known.
Further information can be had by telephoning Mr Ernie Williamson on 01563 535728
Muirkirk Cancer Support Group
Our group was started in June 2004 with a few friends getting together over a cup of tea or coffee to offer each other support. We now hold a monthly meeting in Garan House, Muirkirk, normally on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
In June 2007 we went out for the 4th bi-annual dinner when we invited other cancer patients, who do not attend our meetings for a variety of reasons.
Our aim is to put cancer patients and their families in touch with organisations which can offer their help and advice, not only to the members of our group, but to anyone in our community.
If you would like to know more about our group call Stephanie on 01292 661566 or email at stephessex@hotmail.co.uk
NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Patient/Carer Panel for Cancer Services
The Panel seeks to represent the views, rights and needs of people affected by cancer and to do so by recording their views and experiences in a way that will influence the policies, training and support given to those who deliver cancer services. In addition the Panel is involved in monitoring, shaping and tailoring NHS cancer services by auditing user involvement activities, identifying patient needs and making recommendations for improvement where gaps in current procedures can be identified.
In the past year the Panel has been involved in numerous work strands. Some of these have included the production of a chemotherapy information leaflet and a prompt card for patients. The Panel has also been involved in the production of a workbook on Body Image for Cancer Patients and also a Dietetic workbook to help patients have a better understanding of their dietetic requirements. The Panel has also had input into the Distress Management Program for cancer patients guiding the researchers and project team in accordance with patient requirements. In a piece of partnership working with the Ayrshire Cancer Forum, a Support Directory for cancer patients and carers of all local support available was produced with Ayrshire Cancer Support provided funding for the printing of the directory. In addition the Lung Cancer team requested the views of the panel on a new patient leaflet being produced and this is ongoing.
Macmillan Cancer Support took on board the Panel’s comments and changed their Travel Information Fact sheet as one of the Panel members had reported having problems whilst trying to buy travel insurance. The Panel meets once every 8 weeks and if anyone would like further information about the panel please see our entry in www.Ayrshirehealthpartnerships.org.uk or contact:
Shoana Connell - Telephone: 01563.825726
From its formation the Panel has been encouraged and supported by representatives of NHS A&A and by Macmillan Information and Support Services.
