Cancer Support Scotland announces shock closure after more than 40 years

Scotland’s only charity dedicated to offering wellbeing sessions for anyone affected cancer, including family members and carers, has closed its doors with immediate effect after more than 40 years.

Cancer Support Scotland announced the shock closure on Wednesday citing a combination of rising costs, challenging operating conditions, and a reduction in fundraising income over the last few years.

A statement posted by the charity read: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the immediate closure of Cancer Support Scotland.

“Throughout 2024 the trustees, management team and staff have worked tirelessly to find a way forward that would allow the charity to continue to deliver its support to people affected by cancer, but this has not been possible.

“The need for wellbeing support for those affected by cancer has continued to grow – but sadly a combination of rising costs, challenging operating conditions and a reduction in fundraising income over the last few years left the trustees with no other choice but to close the charity.”

For over 40 years Cancer Support Scotland has offered mental health and wellbeing support to people affected by cancer, in that time making a positive impact on thousands of lives.

The statement added: “Even in the most challenging of times, our services have continued and thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters Cancer Support Scotland was able to deliver services up until the day of closure.”

It thanked staff and volunteers, past and present, who have given their time and effort to improving the lives of people with cancer.

Jenny Ross, from Dunblane, was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram and says the loss of these services is “devastating”.

After undergoing a mastectomy, Jenny found Cancer Support Scotland on the internet and had six free sessions with a fully-qualified counsellor.

She says the support she received helped her through her “darkest moments”.

She told STV News: “I was devastated to hear about the immediate closure of Cancer Support Scotland today.

“They helped me enormously going through my breast cancer journey and I feel that so many other individuals and their families who are navigating their way through the trauma that comes with cancer will miss out on this invaluable and life-changing service”.

Service users are being signposted to those that offer support and services and anyone affected by cancer, who needs to speak to somebody is being advised to call the Macmillan Cancer Support line on 0808 808 0000.

The charity added that it can no longer accept donations, and is asking supporters to continue to support other cancer charities instead.

Cancer Support Scotland is currently liaising with insolvency practitioners ahead of the formal appointment of liquidators in the near future. 

Once appointed, the liquidators will be in touch with affected parties.

As of today, the charity is unable to respond to emails, calls or letters.