The Dòchas Centre in Lochgilphead, Argyll, has its origins in the vision and determination of John Paterson, an artist and psychiatric nurse who was diagnosed with both Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

 

In 1998, John established the Dòchas Fund with the aim of bringing hope and support to people living with these incurable conditions. Using the sale of reproductions of his artwork to raise funds, he began a journey that would go on to create a lasting source of support for people affected by illness and caring.

 

Following John's death in 1998, his wife, Catherine Paterson, continued his work and dedication to supporting people affected by neurological conditions. Today, Catherine is recognised as Dòchas's Honorary Life President and Co-Founder, reflecting her enduring contribution to the organisation and its development. The Dòchas Fund was granted charitable status in February 2000 as a charitable company.

 

With the support of the local community, the Dòchas Centre in Lochgilphead opened its doors in August 2006. The Centre was officially inaugurated in April 2007 by HRH The Princess Royal, marking an important milestone in the development of the organisation and its support for the local community.

 

Over the years, Dòchas has continued to grow and develop in response to the changing needs of unpaid carers. The introduction of the Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 brought greater recognition of the rights and needs of unpaid carers and further shaped the support available to carers across Scotland.

 

In April 2022, the Dòchas Care Centre was incorporated as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), following the conversion of the Dòchas Fund charitable company.

 

Today, the Dòchas Care Centre continues to provide practical and emotional support to unpaid carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands. Our work is supported by Torquhil Ian Campbell, the Duke of Argyll who is our Patron.

 

From its beginnings as the vision of one man, Dòchas has grown into an established community organisation, continuing to build on the values of hope, support and care that inspired its beginnings.

 

In 2023, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Dòchas Fund. We have also recently celebrated 20 years in our Centre, marking two decades of supporting carers and the wider community from our home in Lochgilphead.

 

Our history is a story of people, community and continued commitment, and we look forward to building on that history for many years to come.

 

Today, Dòchas Carers Centre continues to support unpaid carers across Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands, providing practical help, emotional support and opportunities to connect with others.

What began as the vision of one man has grown into a trusted community organisation, built on the enduring values of hope, support and care that continue to guide our work today.