The charitable services listed here offer free, confidential help and advice relating to healthcare issues. Visit their websites for more detailed information.
MacMillan Cancer Drop-in Service
Oban Library, Albany Street, Oban
When you are affected by cancer, having the right kind of information and support, at the right time, is vital. The MacMillan Cancer Information and Support Service at Oban Library is a weekly drop-in service available each Wednesday afternoon.
Starting in November 2015, experienced and trained volunteers will provide support and information to anyone affected by cancer; family members, friends, carers, work colleagues or employers and of course, the patient themselves.
No appointment is necessary; the service is free and confidential. Visitors will be welcomed with a friendly smile, a cup of tea and a place to chat in comfortable surroundings. Private meeting space, telephone and email support is also available.
In partnership with NHS Highland, MacMillan Cancer Support, TSI Argyll & Bute and Argyll & Bute Council the service will provide:
- Access to counselling
- A relaxing place to meet others affected by cancer
- Encouragement to people to visit their GP if they have any clinical concerns
- Support to people to prepare for meetings with Health Professionals
- Signposting to specialist services including financial help, social groups, counselling, movement programmes, complementary therapies and specialist healthcare services
- Provide support to reduce stress on anyone affected by cancer
- Access to quality information and encouragement to lead healthier lives
- Support to raise awareness and normalise the discussions around cancer in the community, to encourage earlier diagnosis and reduce isolation
For further details about the MacMillan Cancer Information & Support Services within Argyll & Bute Libraries telephone 01586 555 932, email macmillan@Argyll-bute.gov.uk or visit their web site at www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/macmillan
If you have any questions about living with cancer, call the MacMillan Support Line free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
Living It Up - Shine Flourish Discover and Connect 
Do you want to know what is going on in your area? Do you wish you could get more out of life? Perhaps you’d like to find out how to do more things online or take time to get to know your neighbours?
Living it Up is a new support network that finds and creates opportunities with our community to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life. From newsletters to events, there are lots of ways for you to become involved, get more out of life and keep up to date with what’s happening in your area.
Funded by the Scottish Government and led by NHS 24, with support from 8 health boards including NHS Highland, Living It Up is a free service to help you get and share information for a healthier lifestyle.
Log on and see for yourself at www.livingitup.org.uk
Launched in November 2013, this confidential helpline offers free information, friendship and advice for older people. The service is available 24 hours a day manned by vetted and trained volunteers who enjoy talking to older people and are happy to offer information or simply have a chat.
The Silver Line signposts the caller to the many varied groups and services that exist in their communities and protect and support those who are suffering abuse and neglect. If you'd benefit from a regular weekly friendship call or would like to join a Silver Circle and take part in a regular group call on subjects that interest you visit their website for further information. Website: www.thesilverline.org.uk