Cultural charity OnFife is teaming up with Macmillan Cancer Support so that people can access information and advice by popping into their local libraries.
Volunteer-led drop-in sessions already take place two hours a week at Leven and Lochgelly libraries – but extra helpers are needed if the scheme is to expand.
With feedback overwhelmingly positive so far, OnFife’s Macmillan Project Officer Cathy Grieve is looking to launch a similar service at Duloch in Dunfermline in May.
Drop-in sessions are also held for two hours each month at Ladybank and Cupar libraries, and at Rothes Hall in Glenrothes. These monthly sessions will be extended to St Andrews, St Monans and Newport libraries, if volunteers can be found.
The drop-in service offered at OnFife venues complements pop-up sessions that are held for five hours each month at Queen Margaret and Victoria hospitals.
Providing an extensive support network is crucial, says former NHS worker Cathy: “Covid has dulled many people’s desire to travel, so it’s vital they can access information and emotional support close to home.”
Volunteers do not need to have any knowledge of cancer or have a healthcare background. Full training and support for all volunteers will be provided by Macmillan and OnFife.
Volunteers are asked to give two hours of their time each week, supporting not just people with cancer, but their families, friends and carers.
OnFife’s drop-in scheme was originally launched in January 2020 – six weeks before the first lockdown, which led to the initiative being put on hold until December last year.
Demand for the service is as great as ever, according to Cathy: “One in two people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime. That can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness – so we’re here to ensure they can access high quality support in a welcoming setting.
“If anyone feels they could offer an empathetic ear and signpost people to relevant services in our friendly, relaxing library spaces, then we’d love to hear from them.”
For more information or to request an application form, please contact Macmillan Volunteer Coordinator Heather Korabiowska on 07754 800072 or email macmillan@onfife.com.
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For further information contact Sheona Small, press officer, 07809 727 989 or email sheona.small@onfife.com
Notes to editors: OnFife is a registered charity and manages and operates theatres, libraries, museums and galleries and cultural partnerships on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife. Further information can be found at www.onfife.com
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