THE success of Wigtownshire Women and Cancer has been hailed in the Scottish Parliament.
South Scotland SNP MSP Emma Harper raised the group in Holyrood after they were successful in their application for IMPACT funding.
Wigtownshire Women and Cancer, a non-profit voluntary group who support people and their families following a cancer diagnosis across Stranraer and Wigtownshire, offer services relating to respite, self-management and peer support. This includes pamper sessions with local therapists, coffee and chat support sessions, mindfulness sessions to manage anxiety, a befriending service and holiday respite.
The cancer charity held an afternoon tea in the North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer at the end of April, to welcome the funding which allowed members to meet, see and socialise following the inability to do so during the pandemic protective measures. Ms Harper attended and spoke at the event and has said the charity provide “a lifeline support to those, and their families who are living with cancer across the area” and that “this IMPACT funding announcement will allow for WWAC to roll out their services more widely, to reach more people.”
She said this week: “Wigtownshire Women and Cancer provide lifeline support to people who receive a cancer diagnosis, as well as to their families, across Stranraer and Wigtownshire. The team, and all members, are fabulous – they are caring, passionate and work to see the best possible outcomes for those who have received a cancer diagnosis.
“I was pleased to go along to the North West Castle to welcome the IMPACT funding and to meet those who rely on WWAC. Their services – including respite, self-management and peer support – are really important to those who receive a cancer diagnosis. This funding will allow for WWAC to roll out their services more widely, to reach more people, as well as to advocate for improved cancer services across our rural region.
“I thank Wigtownshire Women and Cancer for all that they do to support and advocate for those living with cancer across Wigtownshire, I wish them every success for the future, and I look forward to working with them in the months to come.”
* Wigtownshire Women and Cancer have a new website https://www.wigtownshirewomenandcancer.co.uk/
