A new information resource for people affected by cancer will open on today (10 November) at Oban Library. The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service will provide non-clinical information for people affected by cancer, with weekly drop-in sessions on a Wednesday afternoon being developed, when volunteers are recruited and trained.

The new service has been created by an innovative partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support, Argyll and Bute Council, Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (formerly Argyll Voluntary Action) and NHS Highland. National and local research has identified a need for people to access quality information in a community setting with people to talk to for support. This information covers a range of topics including cancer symptoms, cancer treatments, how to talk to people with cancer, support for carers, financial support, where to find walking groups, workplace issues, or just how to get to a hospital in Glasgow.

Local volunteers are being sought to help provide support to people who want to talk confidentially through their queries, worries, fears and hopes for the future as they are affected by cancer. Anyone can use this resource, including family, friends, and colleagues of someone who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Oban Library has been chosen as the location for this service as it is a popular source of community information, it is open outside of office hours, accessible, and it is free to use.

The staff team, Service Manager Deirdre Henderson and Volunteer Co-ordinator Chris Holden, have been out and about talking with community organisations to help shape the service for the needs of people in the area.

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service is already established in Campbeltown Library and Rothesay Library. The work already done by the staff, volunteers, community activists and partners has resulted in it being awarded the Gold Excellence Award for ‘Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health’ by Argyll and Bute Council, with the service being awarded the overall Excellence Award in 2015, selected by the Provost. The project is fully funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and is also supported by a wider partnership of agencies to provide specialist skills.

If you are interested in volunteering with the service or want to find out more information you can contact Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service in Argyll by calling 01586 555932, or emailing macmillan@argyll-bute.gov.uk .