CANDU (Dundee Cancer Support Network) SCIO (SC048313), a patient-led charity which is working to support cancer patients and their families in Dundee. Our trustees are all patients and survivors of cancer who meet regularly to direct the work of the charity. We promote awareness of existing support services and work with our network partners (including NHS Tayside, Macmillan Cancer Support, The Scottish Cancer Prevention Network, Tayside Cancer Support and Maggies Dundee) to develop new initiatives which encourage person-centred and compassion-focused approaches to cancer support. We also deliver community-based outreach projects aimed at meeting the practical, physical and emotional needs of cancer patients and their families.

Every spring we hold a 'Living Well with Cancer' respite, retreat break for a group of local people affected by cancer and suffering financial hardship. Participants are from the most deprived areas of the city, where the incidence of cancer is highest and whom often experience additional social isolation.

Your donation will pay for transport, accommodation, activities and food from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon for a small group who would otherwise be unable to access similar activities. This group can 'fall through the gap' of existing support services due to social and cultural barriers and this activity aims to bridge that gap for participants experiencing social difficulty.

Cancer patients can often experience social isolation and suffer mental and emotional difficulties in relation to their diagnosis. Time spent with others, who also have a lived experience of cancer, enjoying social activities, can empower and support participants to begin living their life in the best way possible with their diagnosis. Participants will be able to join in a programme of wellbeing and social activities in the beautiful Fife countryside at Cherry Tree Lodge. Activities include art, therapies, mindfulness and gentle movement sessions alongside shared meals, conversation and reflective time spent in nature.

The retreat helps participants build supportive relationships with others and also inform, encourages and empowers individuals to access ongoing support services, which they may not have previously.