Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative (WICCI)

We support those affected by cancer in the Western Isles in many ways including: 

THE WICCI SOCIAL FUND

• Up to £400 is available
• Unique partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support
• Referrals to other support agencies
• Information presented anonymously
• Quick and discreet application and payment process

We support individuals financially with grants of up to £400 per year to those affected by cancer in the Western Isles through our Social Fund, which is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.  These grants can be used to support costs such as basic living expenses, travel costs (over and above those supported by Patient Travel) and specialist equipment or support required as a result of a cancer diagnosis, treatment or recovery.  We have supported over 1030 individuals since the WICCI Social Fund was established in 2018, distributing over £512,000 in that time.

Get in touch if you have any issues or financial burdens arising from a cancer diagnosis or treatment.

The WICCI Centre & Outreach Complementary Therapies 

• Warm, relaxing and welcoming environment at WICCI Centre
• Wide range of services and therapies offered - throughout the Islands 
• Support available for the whole family
• Up to 6 free treatments for each therapy available
• Professional, discreet and understanding therapists to support you

In September 2018, the WICCI Centre based in Cromwell Street, Stornoway opened to provide support and non-clinical advice to those affected by cancer and then in November 2023 we opened an office in Balivanich, Benbecula to offer support to those affected by cancer living in Uist & Barra. Uist office - 07538 566207.

We offer a wide selection of complementary therapies, counselling and social activities to anyone affected by cancer – so that could be someone who is going through or been through treatment or family members who are struggling with the diagnosis or loss of someone with cancer.  Every month we publish our calendar, which you can access in our News section or through our Social Media channels – or we can add you to our distribution list to receive a copy by email.

We work with a number of fully qualified therapists who provide their treatments for us here at WICCI, we are so thankful for their skills and knowledge of their therapies and how they can positively help those affected by cancer.  We are so aware of the pressures a cancer diagnosis can have on the individual and their family, from the physical side effects to the anxiety, tension and mental worries it can bring.  We want to try and help relieve some of these for you, so please tell us what it is you are experiencing and we will try and fit you with the best treatment or therapist to help.  You can receive up to 6 free treatments for each therapy on offer.  All of our treatments are funded through donations or grant funding received by WICCI.

We also offer a wide selection of complementary therapies, counselling and social activities to anyone affected by cancer – so that could be someone who is going through or been through treatment or family members who are struggling with the diagnosis or loss of someone with cancer.  Every month we publish our calendar, which you can access on our website or through our Social Media channels – or we can add you to our distribution list to receive a copy by email.

WICCI Rainbow Care Boxes

Sometimes it can be really hard to know what to say or do when someone close to you reveals they have a cancer diagnosis.

There is so much ahead of them that it can be difficult to know what to give to help them at that time.

Of course, often the best thing you can offer is just to be there, be a listening ear, offer to help out with some of their daily chores or just give them the space they might need to work out what they want from you.

Over the past few years, we have been listening to people who have gone through cancer treatment and have created the ‘WICCI Rainbow Care Boxes’ which could help you to give something when you don’t know what else to do.

Our WICCI Rainbow Boxes offer comforting treats and practical items as people start or deal with some of the side effects of treatment.

The boxes have been thoughtfully put together with advice from care professionals and people who have been affected by cancer.

We have tried to source as many of the items in the boxes through local, Western Isles suppliers, which not only supports and promotes ‘shop local’ it also gives the recipient a memento from ‘home’ if they are to be away a lot for treatment. 

We are so thankful to the following businesses who supported us with the box contents, including ishga skincare, Sandwick Bay Candles, Nicolson’s Paper shop, KJ Macdonald chemists, Janet Ross-Jordon at Cards & Gift Wrap, G R Jordan, Agnes Macleod and Stag Bakeries.  All but three items in the boxes have been bought locally.  

We also have the option to ‘Gift a Box’ to someone.  If you would like to purchase a box then we would match your box up with someone we know would hugely appreciate the gesture. Just get in touch to discuss this option.- 01851 706721 or our Uist office on 07538 566207