This group is for anyone living on Islay or Jura with any type of Cancer and at any point of their Cancer journey, those who have 'won' their fight however long ago as well as those supporting loved ones with Cancer. It's amazing how we continue to learn from each other as well as offering each other support, motivation, inspiration and hope! We don't believe in re-inventing the wheel, so a big bonus from the Group is sharing tips on how we can make living with Cancer easier, be it arranging travel to mainland appointments, to what benefits we are eligible for and who can best help us on the journey none of us wants to be on!

We meet regularly around once a month for a casual 'Cancer Coffee & Cake' gathering. The next date will be found on our website https://cancersupportgroupislay.co.uk/ , or on our Facebook Page (Cancer Support Group Islay), posts on the Islay & Jura Community Facebook Noticeboard pages and at our various posters dotted around the villages and Medical Centres. People can pop in at anytime during these gatherings and other than your first name, you don't need to give any more information than that you are comfortable with. You don't even need to participate, some enjoy just sitting, listening and enjoying the refreshments (we provide free) too. We also enjoy other social events from time to time, examples include meals out at local restaurants, workshops and distillery tours, which we are kindly offered by local businesses. In addition we have an informal WhatsApp Group you can join too where we share the dates of the next meetings and useful information, tips and support we have discovered in between gatherings too.

We have also been lucky to attract Guest Speakers who can provide more expert information, advice and support. Last year we had two Oncologists from the Beatson come over to do a presentation on all things Cancer which was very informative, the slides can be found on our Website under 'Useful Information - Cancer Overview'. We have also managed to get the Beatson's Charity to come over and run their free course 'Living with Uncertainty' which was a great opportunity to experience some of the amazing extra things those on the mainland can participate in easily. Welfare Rights Officers from Argyll & Bute Council have visited our Group too to help us access benefits we might be missing out on. We also meet up and link with other local groups who share similar concerns or difficulties as we work together to combat our unique extra hurdles from living on an island.

Although we share a common ailment we do like to focus on enjoying life too; a bonus and excuse often provided by the Cancer diagnosis. Our 'Wellness' Event last time offered free taster treats such as back massages and yoga. Our next one will be a Tai Chi taster; a very good and safe form of exercise. Craft Afternoons have also been enjoyed, with more planned. We are always on the look out for new activities to enjoy and have been very fortunate to get kind offers from local therapists and businesses.

Although it's a serious matter that has brought us together, and we are here if people do want to share their worries or experiences, we also enjoy lots of laughter, which we find is often the best medicine!