Dochas Carers Centre

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.

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.