The centre was established in 2008 and has been run by volunteers from 2008 to 2023.
In 2023, Macmillan Cancer Support awarded the centre funding to provide three part time positions to aid in the running and development of the centre.
The volunteers and committee are integral to the running of the centre and work with the Macmillan team to develop the services offered to our members.
All donations and fundraising for the Centre are used for the Centre itself and are entirely separate from Macmillan.
Thinking of becoming a volunteer?
Drop us a message or give us a call!
Our smaller, quieter spaces
As well as our main social room, we have a smaller, quieter sitting room available for confidential meetings to support
At the back of the centre, we also have a gorgeous rooftop terrace garden space, which catches the sun and makes it a perfect place to relax quietly with a book and listen to the sea.
About us
At the NHCISC we offer complimentary therapies and counselling, workshops, cancer information and emotional and practical support for people with cancer or those caring for loved ones. Our dedicated team of volunteers and staff can offer a sincere and confidential ear if needed. At our premises members can expect to receive a friendly welcome and comfortable environment to provide some light relief and distraction. We are currently open for a drop-in day every Monday and have therapeutic treatments on Thursdays with our qualified therapists through appointment, offering respite in a relaxed and comforting atmosphere. Every second Monday morning we have a qualified beautician who provides cosmetic treatments. We have a monthly Men's support group and meditation sessions and are in the process of increasing our Thurso centre opening days to include further activities and therapies. We have a weekly Wick Support Group every Saturday from 3pm to 5pm at the Haven.
In 2024 the centre was inspected and retained it's 5 star rating for Macmillan's Quality Environment Mark assessment.
MQEM sets a benchmark for the patient experience in the built environment of cancer care, based not only on the published evidence base for healthcare environments but also the personal contributions of over 400 people affected by cancer.
The MQEM identifies five core principles of quality in ” cancer care environments:
✓ Accessibility
✓ Privacy and dignity
✓ Comfort and well-being
✓ Choice and control
✓ Support.
Our therapy room is home to our beautician and complimentary therapists once a week. You can find out more about this services by going to our section on therapies - just click the button below.
Our fantastic therapists Cate, Laura, Monica and Gillian offer a range of services from reflexology and reiki to meditation, massage and alignment.
Our beauticians Louise and Sandra can provide waxing, facials, manicures and wig fittings.
Our resident counsellor Gez Sutherland offers one to one consultations for members tackling a range of subjects including grief, loss, bereavement, depression and anxiety. If you, or anyone you know could benefit please do come along to find out more.
Contact the centre to arrange your appointment 01847 890 996
Our Logo Legacy
Our logo is based on the sage leaf, due to it's healing and calming properties. This beautiful design is the work of Rhona Hayley, who was a member of our centre during her own cancer journey.
Rhona inspired many young adults over the years during her time as an Art and Design teacher at Thurso High School, passing on her passion to the next generation.
Sadly, Rhona has since passed away, but her legacy lives on at the centre through her artwork.
NHCISC is a Scottish Registered Charity.
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To view all the relevant documents for this registration then please click the button below.
Get in touch
Drop us a message anytime and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
New members to the centre are welcome and if you would like to look round on a quieter day to see the centre and what we offer before you attend an social day, please get in touch and we can arrange a tour and a chat.
Phone
01847 890996
Address
cancer.support@btconnect.com
5A High Street
Thurso
KW14 8AG
Access the centre by following the ramp on the high street or by taking the stairs at the back of the building.