NEW drop in services are now available in Dunfermline from Macmillan Cancer Support.

The service, which is being run in conjunction with OnFife, is a safe space for people to access information and advice about cancer and find out what support is available to them, or even to just pop along for a cup of tea and a chat.

OnFife’s Macmillan Project Officer, Cathy Grieve says the new community-based service will provide a lifeline to a lot of people going through a difficult time.

She said: “We want people to know we are here for them. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life changing and having someone to talk to is vital.

“Our volunteers are there to provide support, quality information and a listening ear. We want to reassure people they’re not alone and our support services are available locally and in person.

“Please do get in touch or come in for a visit, even if it’s just to talk about how you’re feeling or have a chat.”

The Duloch Library drop-in sessions started on Monday, May 15, and will run from 1pm until 3pm in the Duloch Library.

David Slaven an OnFife Macmillan Volunteer for the service and has had his own cancer experience, he thinks the library drop-in sessions will be a huge help to a lot of people.

He added: “Like most people I have personally been affected by cancer. I lost my first wife to the disease, and also had my own diagnosis 4 years ago, so I know the devastating impact it can have on your life and how much a listening ear can help.

"It’s such a privilege to be there for people when they are going through something similar.

“I see a lot of people who have family or close friends with cancer, and they are struggling emotionally. They often don’t realise how much they need to chat until they do, and the difference even after just an hour or so is really amazing.

"It’s such a rewarding experience to be able use my experiences to help others. I hope that anyone who needs it takes the step to reach out for support in some way. It really does make a big difference and myself and the other volunteers love being a part of that.”

The drop-in service offered at OnFife venues complements pop-up sessions that are held for five hours each month at Queen Margaret and Victoria hospitals.

Read more: Dunfermline: Cancer care drop-in team on look-out for extra helpers

Macmillan has a range of support services available in the Fife area. Drop-in sessions are also held weekly in Leven Library on a Tuesday from 10 until 12 and Jennie Lee Library in Lochgelly every Wednesday 2 until 4.

Pop-up sessions for two hours each month are held in Ladybank Library, and at Rothes Hall in Glenrothes. These monthly sessions will be extended to St Andrews, Cupar, St Monans and Newport libraries, if volunteers can be found.

To reach any of these services, email Macmillan@onfife.com