Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative

																
The Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI) has developed a unique partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to address needs and provide support for specific issues faced by cancer patients and their families throughout the Western Isles. 
Up to £500 per year is available to individuals affected by cancer and can be used to support costs such as; basic living expenses, travel costs and specialist equipment or support required as a result of a cancer diagnosis, treatment or recovery. 
Individuals should firstly submit an Enquiry Form to the WICCI office to determine eligibility. You will then be asked to complete an Application Form which will ask for specific information on your current situation and the circumstances for which you require assistance. You will be asked to provide information of your current care or treatment. 
All information is treated in the strictest confidence, and assessments of funding are presented to the WICCI Trustees anonymously. 
Our Centre is a welcoming and warm environment, with a large seating area at the front for our social activities and two treatment rooms providing a relaxing and quiet space to enjoy treatments.  We work with a number of fully qualified therapists who provide their treatments for us here at WICCI, we are so thankful for their skills and knowledge of their therapies and how they can positively help those affected by cancer.  We are so aware of the pressures a cancer diagnosis can have on the individual and their family, from the physical side effects to the anxiety, tension and mental worries it can bring.  We want to try and help relieve some of these for you, so please tell us what it is you are experiencing and we will try and fit you with the best treatment or therapist to help.  You can receive up to 6 free treatments for each therapy on offer.  All of our treatments are funded through donations or grant funding received by WICCI including Pentland Windfarm, CalMac Community Fund and the Coop Community Fund.
We have the following treatments on offer:
Reflexology – Reflexology is a type of massage that involves applying different amounts of pressure to the feet, hands, and ears.
Reiki – Reiki is a gentle but powerful “hands on” technique which aims to restore the natural balance in the body. A Reiki treatment is safe, non intrusive and non manipulative. You remain fully clothed for this treatment.
Indian Head Massage – Indian Head Massage is a non-invasive massage performed to the head, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. A range of different massage movements are used to improve circulation and may help with relieving stress, tension, fatigue. 
Foot & Leg Massage – A relaxing and gentle treatment which can relax your body and mind, improve your mood, relieve tension and pain in muscles and can improve circulation. A recent study in Canada showed that a foot massage helped people affected by cancer who were experiencing nausea and pain as a result of treatment and increased energy levels. Angie Louch from The Angie Touch is our therapist for Foot & Leg Massage
Podiatry – Podiatry can help to improve your mobility and independence through the prevention and management of foot problems.  Kevin Macdonald BSc Hons Podiatry offers our Podiatry services here at the WICCI Centre or some home visits.  
Mindfulness Coaching – Mindfulness Coaching is “simply keeping our attention with the reality and aliveness of the present moment.” Mindfulness is an evidence-based practice, with many life and well-being improving benefits and is broadly recommended by healthcare professionals as an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety.  Holly provides Mindfulness Coaching here at WICCI.  She is based in Stornoway, but can deliver coaching sessions online or over the phone.
Counselling at WICCI 
Whether you want to talk about the impact of your diagnosis and any anxieties you may have, develop strategies to help you deal with the emotional effects of treatment or if a member of your family is dealing with cancer and you would just like to speak to someone, we can help.
We are delighted to welcome a new counsellor to WICCI – Helen Kirkman, who is a fully qualified therapeutic counsellor, holding a BA Hons Degree and Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling.
Helen will be available for counselling services here at the WICCI Centre – contact us to book a place
Her usual working day is Tuesdays.  This post is part funded by the CMHWF
We also have the services of Dolina Grant and Lorraine Wilson who are based on the mainland Dolina is COSCA accredited and CRUSE trained,  Lorraine is BACP accredited and available for online or telephone appointments.