Dochas

Carers Centre & Gallery

Supporting Unpaid Carers

“Bringing Together People who Care”

About Dochas

The Dochas Centre is in Lochgilphead, Argyll and was founded in 1998 by John Paterson after John was diagnosed with both Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) and Motor Neurone Disease (MND). He was an artist and psychiatric nurse. John’s vision was to bring hope to others living with these incurable conditions by using the sale of reproductions of his art to support care and research. Since John’s death in 1998 his wife, Catherine Paterson, has carried on his work. The Dochas Fund became a registered charity in February 2000.

The Dochas Centre was opened in August 2006 and formally opened in April 2007 by

HRH The Princess Royal.

When we first started

What we do

We make a difference

The benefits of providing services and information to unpaid carers include socialising, building up a local network of friends in a similar position, providing the carer with a short time of respite and encouraging carers to think about themselves for a change. Carers don’t look after themselves, too often their health suffers as a result of their caring role due to emotional and mental stress. The informal and relaxed atmosphere within our support groups enables carers to discuss their fears and anxieties, share their problems and find support. click here to read stories from carers who have been supported by our centre.

A number of years on, that vision and work continues to operate from the Dochas Centre. The centre houses a Gallery and Carers’ Room that is available to all carers in the Mid-Argyll area and was purpose built by donations. It houses John’s art work which is for sale and is a centre and meeting place for individuals and various group such as Dementia Support, Parkinson’s Support, GBS and MND support, Carers’ Support, Mental Health Support, Alcohol Addiction Support and Life after Bereavement Support.

Our centre offers hope not only to people living with GBS or MND but also to others who have sought our support and guidance living with other medical conditions. We offer emotional and practical support by providing information, guidance and training for unpaid carers through the maze of services. All our services are free to carers. Within Argyll and Bute we work to improve the lives of all unpaid carers who face particular problems due to the rural and remote aspects of the region.

We don’t work alone and over the years have formed strong partnerships with a number of other agencies and care professionals. We also rely on a wonderful team of volunteers who bring a range of skills and commitment to our work and play a key role and integral part in the success of the centre.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10.00 am - 4.00 pm.

Comments & Suggestions

We will be delighted to hear from you if you have any suggestions or ideas how we can improve every aspect of our work. We will benefit greatly from your experience and expertise on how best the Dochas Centre can serve our community. Please use the contact form or email Catherine at catherine@dochasfund.org.uk to let us know your views.

D

elivering

O

pportunities

are

C

H

A

S

upport

nd

ope

Back to Top