The House of Hope, Scotland’s first dedicated wellbeing and support centre for people with breast cancer, has announced its first location on Gorgie Road in Edinburgh ahead of its opening in Spring 2025.
The announcement comes thanks to financial backing from early supporter The Scotto, which will fund the initial rent of the premises. The Scottish lottery, which also sponsors mental health charity SAMH and children’s cancer charity Calum’s Cabin, has generously donated £50,000 to The House of Hope.
The House of Hope’s first centre will be 490 Gorgie Road, a 3,016 ft² / 280 m² detached farmhouse-style office building located between the city centre and Edinburgh City Bypass. The property – previously home to Autism Initiatives UK’s Edinburgh office – is currently undergoing renovation and will welcome its first visitors next year.
Founded by Lisa Fleming, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, with husband Euan, The House of Hope will provide a supportive space for people impacted by breast cancer, as well as access to holistic therapies and wellbeing services away from the sterile hospital or clinical setting to compliment medical treatments.
The House of Hope was inspired by London’s first-ever specialised breast cancer centre, Future Dreams House, which offers support through a range of services for women affected by breast cancer, including counselling, yoga, massage, nutrition advice, and peer support groups.
Earlier this month, the centre also welcomed its first Centre Manager, Hazel McLinden, who will manage the House upon its opening in Spring and play a key part in supporting volunteers and visitors alike. Hazel brings over a decade of experience in charity sector to the role, having previously worked with Team Jak Foundation, a charity supporting children and young people with cancer and their families throughout Scotland.
Founder of The House of Hope Scotland, Lisa Fleming, said: “We are so grateful to The Scotto for committing its long-term support to The House of Hope in Scotland, as we prepare to open the doors to the centre in Gorgie next year.
“It’s so important to have a safe space that offers community and compassionate support for patients and their families following a breast cancer diagnosis, and that’s what we want The House of Hope to be – a haven away from clinical settings while still supporting medical treatment.”
Sales and Partnerships Manager of The Scotto, Marie-Claire Le Ray, said: “At The Scotto, we’re strongly committed to supporting good causes.
“Lisa is an absolutely inspirational woman and we’re proud to support The House of Hope and its vision to support those affected by breast cancer.”