June Newsletter - Our Ayr Centre is officially open!

Janice's Story

This month, we would like to highlight carers week, by introducing you to Janice.

Janice's husband Gordon was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in August 2023. Gordon was able to start treatment, and had the opportunity to have a laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy. This alongside pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, meant Gordon was able to eat, drink and enjoy Janice's amazing cooking. Janice cared for Gordon for five months, but sadly, Gordon passed in January 2024.

Here, Janice discusses the support that she and Gordon received through ACS:

"We started accessing support via ACS in August 2023 after Gordon's diagnosis, after being advised from occupational therapists that it was a great place to come. We both accessed support via the complementary therapy service, and found comfort in being able to talk to others in an emphathetic and understanding environment. It was wonderful to meet others who had been through the same things that we had, meaning we felt less alone, knowing there were people out there who could help us. Once Gordon had passed, I accessed support myself through the Navigating Loss and Grief Course. Grief doesn't always come out suddenly, it can linger for a long time, and Craig and Sarah were fabulously helpful. It was like a hug in a mug, we were all in it together, we cried, we laughed, and knowing that we were cared for was invaluable." 

Janice shares her advice for others who are experiencing bereavement:

"Do not hestiate to reach out for help, you are strong if you are able to reach out and get that support. I don't think I would have coped as well as I have done over the last 15 months without the support of ACS. Peer support is invaluable, and having support groups like Navigating Loss and Grief have given me the building blocks and the strength to continue coping and living with my grief."

Thank you for sharing your story with us Janice. If you are affected by cancer, and would like to access our free support services, you can get in touch by emailing us at admin@ayrshirecs.org, or by dropping into one of our centres. We're here for you🧡

Self help support resources

Did you know about the self help support resources available on our website?

We know the importance of physical and emotional wellness, and have a selection of guided meditations, physical activity videos, and informative videos available on our website for people to access if needed.

To access this free resource, please click here.

If you would like further information, or would like to speak to a member of our team, give us a call on 01563 538008.

Our cancer support centre in Ayr is offically open!

Our brilliant newly renovated Ayr Centre, following 14 months of renovation, officially opened it’s doors to the public on Monday 19th May.

The centre offers a warm and welcoming place for local people affected by cancer to visit and access our support services.

Our core services, including drop in, cancer support specialists, counselling, patient information, and groups, courses and workshops will be available in this centre too.

The centre also has a purpose built children and young people area to allow us to support children, young people and families in a suitable environment.

As we bed in, we will continue to develop the services that are available from the centre, which is an addition to our established cancer support centre in Kilmarnock.

Our drop in remains open from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, and we look forward to welcoming people that want to access our support through our doors.

Take a look inside here.

Volunteers' Week

This month, we celebrate Volunteers' Week from the 2nd-9th June.

At Ayrshire Cancer Support our volunteers play a vital role in helping us deliver our cancer support services across Ayrshire. We recognise and truly appreciate the contribution they make in each of their various roles.

We would like to sincerely thank our drivers, our retail volunteers, hub volunteers and online eBay store volunteer, our Board Members, our can collectors, fundraisers, gardeners, therapeutic volunteers, hospital volunteers, CYP volunteers, and our ambassadors.

All volunteers are welcome to our open afternoon, which will take place this Thursday 5th June from 4pm-6pm in our new Ayr centre.

If you are interested in becoming one of our valued volunteers, there's sure to be a role to suit. For more information, visit our website here.

The Ayrshire Cancer Support Charity Raceday

Join us on Friday 19th September at the Ayr Gold Cup Festival: Ladies Day and enjoy all the splendour of our hospitality in a trackside marquee including:

- A welcome glass of fizz

- Delicious three course set lunch

- Private bar

- Afternoon tea

- Individual Racecard plus an entertaining Charity Event Programme and Tote Betting facilities

- Priority car parking

- Access to after racing entertainment

- Top tips from our on the day Tipster

Enjoy a fun day in great company with games and a small auction to raise vital funds to allow Ayrshire Cancer Support to continue providing essential free services for children, young people and adults affected by cancer in Ayrshire.

If you would like to book a table or enquire about our sponsorship opportunities, please email fundraising@ayrshirecs.org. Individual tickets are also available.

Be a part of #TeamACS!

Looking to challenge yourself this year? Why not take on The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, in aid of Ayrshire Cancer Support!

Help make the 2025 Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 5th of October our most successful to date by registering to take part and run the 10k or half marathon. With a city centre start and finish, have fun and enjoy everything that the wonderful city of Glasgow has to offer!

To register for this event click here, or for further information, email us at fundraising@ayrshirecs.org??

Sustainable Summer Season is ON!

Join us for the ultimate summer charity shop event filled with summer and vintage vibes, music, and one-of-a-kind outfits!

Our Sustainable Summer Event will be taking place at our Ayrshire Cancer Support Preloved Shop on Saturday 21st June from 9:30am-4:30pm.

We have a large selection of summer clothing (including some branded gems!), fabulous raffle prizes to be won, and some great music to really get you in the summer spirit!

All proceeds from this event go towards providing our vital services to those affected by cancer in Ayrshire🧡

Donation call

Our next Donation Hub days will take place on Thursday 12th and 26th June between 9am-4pm, at our hub based at Ayr Racecourse (Gate E, entry via Tesco roundabout).

We are currently seeking donations of ladies and mens summer and festival clothing, jewellery and accessories, homeware, bric-a-brac and small electrical appliances.

Any donations are greatly appreciated.

We look forward to welcoming you🧡