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Uist & Barra

April 2026 Events and Treatment Calendar

March 27, 2026

Come and join us in April for a variety of groups, therapies and supports.

Lewis and Harris Support and Services Booklet

Uist and Barra Support and Services Booklet

☕ Ladies Cancer Support Group 

Come along for a relaxed afternoon for women currently going through or recently recovered from cancer or supporting a loved one who has cancer. Come for a chat, a cuppa and support.

  • Lewis and Harris – Wednesday 15th April  2pm – 3:30pm
  • Uist – Tuesday 14th April 1pm at Kildonan Museum (Feis Room) and Thursday 16th 12pm at Claddach Kirkibost Centre
  • Barra – Wednesday 23rd 3.15pm at Cobhair Bharraidh

☕ Uist Men’s Cancer Support Group

Saturday 11th April 11am – 1pm at An Caladh, Balivanich

☕ Stoma Support Group

May date to be confirmed 2pm – 3:30pm WICCI Centre Stornoway and online

This group is open to anyone with a Stoma, Ileostomy or Urostomy for any reason.  This is a friendly and supportive group where you can share experiences and benefit from peer support.

🎶 Hebridean Harmony – Singing for Pleasure

Led by Carole Millar, this group is all about lifting spirits through song.
Bethesda: Monday 6th April at 2:30pm
WICCI Centre: Monday 20th and 27th April at 2:30pm

🎨 Craft Workshop: Buttons and Braids Workshop

Peter Harlington, WICCI Centre Stornoway – Wednesday 29th April 2pm

Relaxed workshop where you will get a chance to make your own buttons and braids
🎟️ Only 6 places – book early to secure your spot!

💇 Wig Fitting

Available by appointment at flexible times. Personal, private, compassionate support and guidance on choosing and fitting a wig.

🧘‍♀️ Barra Gentle Exercise

Join Lisanne for a relaxing, low‑impact movement session at Garadh on Monday 13th and 27th April  at 1pm.
A warm, welcoming space for all abilities to move, stretch, and feel good.

🌿 Treatments & Therapies

A wide range of treatments and therapies are available throughout the Western Isles.  Contact your local Office for further details

Open to anyone affected by cancer.
Enjoy up to 6 free sessions per treatment:
Massage • Podiatry • Reiki • Reflexology • And more

 

To book or learn more about the support we offer, get in contact with us.

Lewis and Harris

Uist and Barra

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March 2026 Events and Treatment Calendar

February 18, 2026

Join us in March for a range of treatments and support.

☕ Ladies Cancer Support Groups 

Come along for a relaxed afternoon for women currently going through or recently recovered from cancer, or supporting a loved one who has cancer. Come for a chat, a cuppa and support.

Lewis and Harris – Wednesday 11th March 2:00–3:30pm
Uist – Tuesday 10th March 1pm at Beach Cottage, Kilbride and Thursday 12th 12pm at Temple View Hotel
Barra – Wednesday 11th 3:15pm at Cobhair Bharraidh

☕ Uist Men’s Cancer Support Group

Saturday 7thMarch  11am – 1pm at An Caladh, Balivanich

🎶 Hebridean Harmony – Singing for Pleasure

Led by Carole Millar, this group is all about lifting spirits through song.
Bethesda: Monday 2nd March
WICCI Centre: Monday 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th March

🎨 Craft Workshop: Slate Painting with Deb Wilkinson,

WICCI Centre Stornoway – Wednesday 25th March

Come and join Harris Artist Deb Wilkinson, for a relaxed and fun painting experience! 

All materials are supplied for creating an oil painting on slate.  Just wear clothes you don’t mind getting paint on!  Only 6 places – book early to secure your spot!

💇 Wig Fitting

Available by appointment at flexible times. Personal, private, compassionate support and guidance on choosing and fitting a wig.

🧘‍♀️ Barra – Gentle Exercise

Join Lisanne for a relaxing, low‑impact movement session at Garadh on Monday 2nd and 16th March at 1pm.
A warm, welcoming space for all abilities to move, stretch, and feel good.

🌿 Treatments & Therapies

A wide range of treatments and therapies are available throughout the Western Isles.  Contact your local Office for further details

Open to anyone affected by cancer.
Enjoy up to 6 free sessions per treatment:
Massage • Podiatry • Reiki • Reflexology • And more

 

To book or learn more

Lewis and Harris

  • Call: 01851 706721
  • Email: office@wicci.org.uk

Uist and Barra

  • Call: 07538 566207
  • Email: uistandbarra@wicci.org.uk

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December 2025 & January 2026 Events and Treatment Calendar

December 1, 2025

💜 December and January at WICCI

We’ve got a bumper-packed update for you this month! To help you plan ahead, we’ve included January’s calendar so you can book in some much-needed relaxation and “me time” after the festive season. Take a look at what’s happening across the Western Isles in December and January and treat yourself to something special.

✨ Events & Treatments
From arts and crafts – Scented Wax Hangers, Rag Wreaths, and Festive Floral Arrangements – to soothing therapies like Foot & Leg Massage, Indian Head Massage, Oncology Massage, Gentle Stretch & Relaxation, Reiki, Aromatherapy Facials, Reflexology, and Podiatry. Perfect for unwinding and giving yourself the care you deserve.

☕ Support Groups
Alongside treatments, we host a variety of support groups. Whether you’re a regular or joining for the first time, we’d love to see you come in for a cuppa and a chat. Check the calendars for dates and venues.

💙 Counselling Support
We know this can be a difficult time of year. If you’re struggling, please remember you’re not alone. Our qualified counsellors are here to help, and we can arrange a referral for you. There’s no need to suffer in silence – we’re here to support you.

📅 Holiday Closure
Our offices in Balivanich and Stornoway will close on Friday 19th December and reopen on Monday 5th January.

💇 Wig Fitting

Available by appointment at flexible times. Personal, private, compassionate support and guidance on choosing and fitting a wig.

🌿 Treatments & Therapies

Open to anyone affected by cancer.
Enjoy up to 6 free sessions per treatment:

📞 To book or learn more:

Lewis and Harris Call : 01851 706721  Email: office@wicci.org.uk

Uist and Barra Call: 07538 566207  Email: uistandbarra@wicci.org.uk

Lewis and Harris December 2025

Uist and Barra December 2025

 

Lewis and Harris January 2026

Uist and Barra January 2026

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Papers for WICCI AGM – Monday 15 September 2025

September 22, 2025

We held our AGM on Monday 15th September at 7pm here at the WICCI Offices in Stornoway, and online for those unable to attend in person.

Here are the papers for the AGM including

AGM Agenda 150924

2023 WICCI AGM Minutes

2024 WICCI Annual Report

2024 WICCI Accounts

A Year of Impact: WICCI’s 2024 Annual Report

The Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI) had a significant year in 2024, marked by staff changes, new projects, and continued support for the community. The annual report highlights the organization’s key achievements, partnership successes, and the profound impact of its services on individuals and families affected by cancer.

Key Highlights from 2024

  • Social Fund: WICCI distributed £92,750 through its social fund, with 197 applications received. The most common reasons for grant requests were costs related to mainland treatment and fuel poverty. Since its launch in 2017, the fund has provided £520,453 to 1,011 individuals across the Western Isles.
  • Therapeutic Support: The organization provided 471 complementary therapies and over 150 counselling sessions. Funding for these services was supported by donations and the Communities Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund.
  • Wig Fitting Service: WICCI facilitated 39 private wig fitting appointments with trained local hairdressers.
  • Support Groups: Several support groups met regularly at the WICCI Centre, including the Stoma Support Group, Ladies Cancer Support Group, and Hebridean Harmony, a singing for pleasure group.
  • Care Boxes: WICCI delivered 21 personalised care boxes, thoughtfully prepared with useful items for each recipient.

Staff and Service Developments

In 2024, Caroline Maciver took over the manager position from Helen Sandison, who had been with WICCI since its inception. WICCI also expanded its team with the addition of two new Link Workers, Aoife Macrae and Sandra Mackinnon, as part of the new “Improving the Cancer Journey” project for the Western Isles. Norah Macphee also joined the team as a coordinator for Lewis and Harris.

Deirdre Steele, the Uist and Barra WICCI coordinator, increased her working hours to 20 per week to support individuals affected by cancer in her area. Her work has been vital in developing non-clinical cancer support services and organizing support groups, which has helped reduce isolation and improve the well-being of many individuals and families.

Strong Partnerships

WICCI’s work is strengthened by its partnerships with the Macmillan Nursing Team and the Macmillan Benefits Service. This collaboration creates a comprehensive support system that addresses the clinical, emotional, practical, and financial needs of people with cancer. These partnerships ensure that patients receive seamless, coordinated care throughout their journey.

This summary provides a glimpse into the vital work WICCI accomplished in 2024, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the community. You can find more details in the full annual report.

Client Testimonials Highlighting Support

Feedback from clients illustrates the profound impact of WICCI’s services on their lives.

  • Clients expressed gratitude for the emotional and practical support received during difficult times. ​
  • Many highlighted the importance of the Care Boxes and complementary therapies in their recovery journey.
  • Testimonials emphasized the compassionate and attentive nature of WICCI staff.

Acknowledgments and Community Support

WICCI expressed gratitude for the community’s ongoing support and fundraising efforts. ​

  • Special thanks to the Lewis and Harris Macmillan Fundraising Group for their significant contributions. ​
  • Recognition of local volunteers and organizations that support WICCI’s mission. ​
  • Emphasis on the importance of community engagement in sustaining WICCI’s services. ​

 

2024 WICCI Annual Report 

 

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March 2025 Events and Treatments Calendar

February 21, 2025

Our Ladies Cancer Support Group, for all women going through or recently been through cancer. The group meets on Wednesday the 12th March and Wednesday 26th March 2 – 3.30pm. Come along for a relaxed chat and a cuppa, bring a friend – all welcome.

Our singing for pleasure group – Hebridean Harmony are in Bethesda on Monday 3rd March and then on the 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st March in the WICCI Centre.

The Stoma Support Group will be meeting in the WICCI Centre on Friday 21st March. This group is open to anyone with a Stoma, Ileostomy or Urostomy – not just those affected by cancer. If you are unable to get in to the Stornoway Centre you can join in online.

See below for details of all the treatments and events we have scheduled for March.

Wig Fitting is available at flexible times by appointment – get in touch for more details.

The treatments and therapies are open to anyone affected by cancer, with up to 6 free sessions available for each treatment.

Please get in touch if you would like to book a session – 01851 706721 or office@wicci.org.uk

Here’s our March calendar –

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