Tayside Cancer Support offers the opportunity for anyone affected by cancer in Tayside to receive emotional, social and practical support, either on an individual basis or in a group setting.

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The charity has been in existence since July 1994, and is made up of an Executive Committee of voluntary Trustees, one paid employee and approximately twenty volunteer befrienders. We work with cancer patients, their families, carers and friends. We do this alongside healthcare professionals and other charities and support groups to provide vital support and information.

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History

In 1990, Professor Charles Forbes of the Department of Medicine at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, in Dundee, initiated the formation of the a Cancer Support Group in the city.  Professor Forbes was very aware of the lack of support for cancer patients, their families and friends, and also for professionals working in the field of cancer care.

 

This group was initially affiliated to Tak Tent Cancer Support Scotland but two years later the Dundee group withdrew from the national organisation and, in July 1994, was inaugurated as Tayside Area Cancer Support (TACS) and obtained charitable status.  In January 2003 the organisation changed its name to Tayside Cancer Support with the objectives to relieve suffering, distress and further the health of those people who either have suffered from or are suffering from cancer, their families and friends, and to promote the welfare of staff involved professionally in cancer care.