November Newsletter - We're Here For You

We'd like to introduce you to Elaine

Elaine sadly lost her husband 10 months ago and has been accessing support for herself and her family here at Ayrshire Cancer Support (ACS).

"Although I knew it was coming, nothing prepared me for the event. When I look back now (and that is not easy, I can assure you) I remember small things and big things in equal measure. Telling the kids, going home that first time, dealing with admin. The first few months are a blur but what I did have was amazing family and friends around me. They are the ones that encouraged me to talk about it. I ended up at Ayrshire Cancer Support's Navigating Loss and Grief group course. Not going to lie…. I was apprehensive!! What I found there though was something completely different. A group of amazing people, who were feeling what I was feeling and led by another two amazing people, Craig and Sarah. Over the next few months we cried, we reminisced but oh how we laughed…… honestly, we laughed heartedly! It was a very bright light in a sometimes-dark tunnel. On the back of this, I got one of my kids involved in some activities organised by ACS. I even got involved myself, when I joined him! I’ve also arranged for another of the kids to be seen by a counsellor. He was very reluctant, but thanks to the support I received, I managed to talk him into it. ACS are more than a support to those living with cancer, they have supported me and the kids in our grief. Now, I take it one day at a time. Some days are rubbish, but others are better. I move on."

Elaine shared some advice for others going through a bereavement: "One day at a time. Accept that some days will be rubbish and move on to the next one. Find joy in the small things."

Ayrshire Cancer Support provide a range of services for people bereaved from cancer. Whether you are looking to take some time out for you through our complementary therapies, or looking for specific bereavement support through our one to one counselling – we’re here for you🧡

Bereavement Cafe

We understand that Christmas can be a particularly challenging time for many individuals. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, the festive season may feel even more overwhelming. Additionally, for those dealing with bereavement, this time can be especially difficult.

Our next drop-in bereavement café will be held on Friday, November 8th, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and will continue on a fortnightly basis thereafter. It will be facilitated by a counsellor. The café takes place at our Kilmarnock drop-in Centre and offers an opportunity for individuals navigating loss and grief related to cancer to access peer support from others experiencing similar situations and feelings.

There is no cost to attend, and no need to book in advance—please feel free to drop in. We are here for you.

Livin Well with Prostate Cancer

Living Well with Prostate Cancer is a free 6-week course that starts on Wednesday, November 6th. This program is offered in partnership with Prostate Scotland and covers a variety of important topics each week, including: Managing fatigue, Addressing urinary problems, Understanding the side effects of treatment, Exploring erectile dysfunction and its impact on relationships, Eating well and Maintaining momentum for the future.

We still have a few places left on our upcoming course. If you’re interested in joining, or for more information, please contact us.

Gardening for Wellbeing

Trellis run various Gardening for Wellbeing Workshops in our Kilmarnock centre throughout the year for people who are affected by cancer and who may find gardening therapeutic.

On Tuesday 26 November the workshop will focus on Easy Christmas Decorations. To secure a space on this free workshop please contact us.🎄

Ayr Centre Update

While carrying out refurbishment works in our Ayr Centre, our contractors found an unexpected surprise underneath the floorboards – a handbag, containing what looks like some cherished memorabilia.

With the help of social media, we have been delighted to locate the family members of the people photographed and look forward to meeting them and hearing the story behind these memories.

Keep your eyes peeled for further updates.

CYP Halloween Party

Our CYP team had a great time dressing up and participating in Halloween activities at the Peer Support Groups’ Halloween Parties.

A special thank you to Bramleys Café in Prestwick for the delicious caramel and strawberry tarts and to Domino's in Kilmarnock for the tasty pizzas.

If you are interested in coming along to one of the groups, please call 01563 538008 or email cyp@ayrshirecs.org to request a place.

We need your views

We are currently working on our new strategy for 2025-2030 which will set out our plans for the delivery of cancer support services for the people of Ayrshire. As part of the development process we would like to hear from the people who use, deliver or support our services, and those involved in the delivery of wider care and support for cancer patients and their families.

To this end we have created a short survey to help us capture your views. The link here will take you to the survey and we would be delighted if you could complete this before Friday 22nd November.

If you require any assistance completing the form, or you would like to request a paper copy, please get in touch with the team on 01563 538008 or admin@ayrshirecs.org.

What will your legacy be?

After taking care of those closest to them, many people include a gift to charity in their Will – also known as a legacy donation.

Gifts in Wills play a vital role in enabling Ayrshire Cancer Support to continue to offer our wide range of free services and support. Even a small sum can make a huge difference. As demand for our services grows, donations – including legacy donations – enable us to ensure that everyone in Ayrshire affected by cancer who need support, receives it.

To find out more about supporting us in this wonderful way visit our Gifts in Wills page where you can request a copy of our brand new Gifts in Wills Guide.

Our Fantastic Fundraisers!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us by holding a fundraising event or taken on a challenge to raise funds for us this month …. We truly cannot thank you enough.

🧡 Thank you to …Jean for taking on the Sober October challenge, to all our Great Scottish Run participants – you all smashed it! To Alasdair Wham for nominating ACS to benefit from book sales at the raffle at the launch of his new Book at Waterstones and to Ayr and Alloway Parish Church for opening their doors to visitors to view inside their beautiful Church.

🧡 Thank you to some of those who organised events for us … Dorothy and Louise for arranging their annual Tickle Me Pink evening, to Amy and Ashley who organised a Race Night and to Kilmarnock Rugby Club Ladies for organising a fun Ladies Day.

Hope & Memories Window

Include a special name on our Hope & Memories window – a powerful installation made up on names chosen by our supporters, which will be added to the windows of our drop-in hub, acting as a symbol of hope and support for everyone who walks through the doors of our new Ayr centre.

We have three options available for people looking to support us in this unique way: Silver £20, Gold £50 and Sapphire £100.

You will have the option to receive a commemorative card which you can gift to the recipient or have as your own keepsake.

Click here to give the gift of hope.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Big Boxing Day Dip

We are delighted to announce that the Ayrshire Cancer Support Big Boxing Day Dip is back, and we would love for you to dive in and take part!

Your brave splash will help raise funds for us to enable us to continue to provide free, vital services for people in Ayrshire living with or affected by cancer.

Sign up here!

Go on, you know you want to take the plunge for a worthwhile local charity!

Christmas Jumper Day

Get your workplace, school or club into the Christmas spirit on Thursday 12 December 2024 by wearing your brightest Christmas jumper, hat or socks to support our charity. With a suggested donation of £2 each towards Ayrshire Cancer Support, Christmas Jumper Day is an easy and inclusive way to get involved.

Remember to let us know you are taking part – take photos, tag us on social media and most importantly, have fun!

Santa Dash

Dance and prance your way around Ayr on this festive 5K! Organised by our friends at Ayr Rugby Club and Ayr United Football Club, the Santa Dash will take place in December 2024.

To find out more and to take part contact fundraising@ayrshirecs.org.

ACS Annual Ball 

Masquerade Ball

Saturday 22 March 2025, Ayr Racecourse

Ayrshire Cancer Support’s annual ball is back in 2025 for an evening of true sophistication and luxury. Step into a different world as Ayr Racecourse is taken back to the Renaissance era on Saturday 22 March 2025.

Enjoy your three-course meal alongside an evening of elaborate entertainment, music and performance. All while raising funds to help support children, young people and adults affected by cancer.

Secure your tickets and table bookings by contacting fundraising@ayrshirecs.org or call 01563 538008.