A 40-year-old cancer support charity in Scotland has announced its immediate closure due to rising costs, challenging operating conditions and a drop in fundraising income.
Cancer Support Scotland announced yesterday that it is liaising with insolvency practitioners before liquidators are appointed and it is no longer accepting donations.
In a statement on its website, Cancer Support Scotland wrote: “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 offered mental health and wellbeing support to people affected by cancer. In that time the charity has made a positive impact on many thousands of lives.
“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.”
Deficit for the last two years
According to the charity’s most recently filed accounts, it employed 14 full-time equivalent roles, with 29% of its spending in the financial year ending April 2023 on staff costs.
Cancer Support Scotland reported a deficit of £125,000 in 2022-23 and £124,000 the year before.
In 2022-23, income from its operating activities increased by 4% on the previous year while costs increased by the same amount.
Testicular cancer charity Cahonas Scotland responded to the charity’s closure announcement on social media: “We’re so sorry to hear this devastating news. Your vital services will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this.”
East Renfrewshire Macmillan also responded on social media: “This is such sad news for people going through cancer and their loved ones, your dedicated staff and volunteers.
“We know what a difference the counselling, complementary therapies and stress management you provided free of charge made. Thinking of you all.”
