CLAN Cancer Support
CLAN Cancer Support is an independent charity which provides wellbeing and practical 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's main centre is on Westburn Road in Aberdeen near the hospital. CLAN also has centres across the whole of north-east Scotland, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, with a presence in Ballater, Banchory, Buckie, Crimond, Elgin, Inverurie, Lossiemouth, Turriff, Kirkwall and Lerwick. CLAN also provides outreach services to a number of GP practices across the region.
Support Services
Children, teens and family support
Clan’s team of dedicated, skilled and compassionate Children and Family Service (CFS) Practitioners offer support to children, teenagers and their families, using a range of therapeutic methods. Our team works closely with Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital and will visit our clients at their home or school to help cater to individual needs. The CFS team aims to enable people to manage the changes brought about by a cancer diagnosis, build resilience and support positive family communication.
Complementary therapies
Complementary therapies are designed to support and alleviate some of the physical and emotional side effects that can accompany a cancer journey.
Clan offers the below specialised treatments:
- Massage Therapy (general)
- Indian Head Massage
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Oncology Massage
- Scar Tissue Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Reflexology
- Reiki
- Hypnotherapy
- Mindfulness
These treatments are available for those with a cancer diagnosis undergoing conventional treatment and anyone else who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis. Download the menu here to find out more about the benefits of each treatment. The range of complementary therapies available varies – to find out what is offered in your area please contact your local Clan centre.
Our complementary therapies align with the credible therapies provided by the NHS to ensure a continuation of care in the community. It is advised that you keep your GP and/or consultant advised of any therapies taken.
Nutrition, health and wellbeing services
Clan has a renowned nutrition, health and wellbeing team to provide practical dietary and exercise advice throughout all stages of a cancer diagnosis. Our registered dietitian offers one-to-one and group sessions providing practical dietary advice and support from time of diagnosis in preparation for treatment, during treatment and upon completion of treatment. Clan’s exercise referral programme provides one-to-one and group exercise classes with our specialist instructor, with ongoing support for anyone looking to get more physically active throughout their cancer journey.
Nutrition, health and wellbeing services
Clan has a renowned nutrition, health and wellbeing team to provide practical dietary and exercise advice throughout all stages of a cancer diagnosis. Our registered dietitian offers one-to-one and group sessions providing practical dietary advice and support from time of diagnosis in preparation for treatment, during treatment and upon completion of treatment. Clan’s exercise referral programme provides one-to-one and group exercise classes with our specialist instructor, with ongoing support for anyone looking to get more physically active throughout their cancer journey.
Groups and social activities
Peer support and friendship is at the heart of Clan and the charity has a wide range of groups which allow people affected by a cancer diagnosis to meet and share experiences. Clan offers support groups for men, women, parents, young people and children who are affected by a cancer diagnosis. Coffee mornings and other events and groups with social aspects are held throughout Clan’s community bases with fundraising events held throughout the year. For more information, please contact your local Clan centre.
Clan Haven accommodation
Clan Haven is our bed and breakfast facility linked to Clan House in Aberdeen. The Haven is available to anyone affected by cancer who is attending or accompanying a friend or relative to Aberdeen hospitals.
The Haven has a home from home feel with laundry and cooking facilities and a large communal lounge area where guests have the chance to speak to people going through similar experiences.
Guests are welcome to check-in at any time. Clan Haven is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To make a reservation or to find out more about Clan Haven please contact the Haven Team on 01224 651030 or email haven@clancancersupport.org
Transport assistance
CLAN Cancer Support provides dedicated transport between CLAN House in Aberdeen and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for those travelling from CLAN for treatment. CLAN also provides a transportation service from its base in Elgin for those traveling locally or to Aberdeen, when available, for treatment.
More information
Clan centres have a host of informative leaflets, brochures and reading materials intended to advise people affected by a cancer diagnosis throughout their cancer journey. These materials are free and regularly updated. Clan staff and volunteers can also signpost clients to other charities if Clan doesn’t provide the service they require.
