How we help
Wessex Cancer Trust believes that there should be help and support available to everyone living with cancer, when and where they need it.
Every year around 23,000 people are diagnosed with cancer within the Wessex region. A diagnosis can be a shock and have a huge impact on an entire family. Wessex Cancer Trust helps and supports anyone affected by cancer regardless of age, gender or type of cancer. Our dedicated team are committed to offering free support for as long as people need it, away from a hospital environment.
At all our cancer Support Centres, clients are welcomed by volunteer befrienders who are equipped to provide information, support and a listening ear. A team of specialist counsellors are on hand help deal with the emotional impact of cancer, and complementary therapies aim to improve well-being, help with pain management and increase self-confidence.
We provide health and well-being information, exercise programmes and courses to help you move on from cancer.
Each year Wessex Cancer Trust reaches over 8,000 people in the local community.
Our Vision and Mission
Our Vision
Wessex Cancer Trust’s ambition is a future where everyone affected by cancer receives
person-centred care that empowers them to live well with and beyond cancer.
Our Mission
Through supportive care and information, we seek to improve the emotional and physical well-being of people affected by cancer, within their locality.
Our Values
Support
We recognise that everyone’s experience is unique and cancer affects every area of life, for both the person living with cancer and their loved ones. Support, both emotional and physical, is at the heart of everything we do.
Inform
We have spent the last 40 years devoting ourselves to being a trusted source of cancer information for local people. From prevention and early detection, to living well with and beyond cancer, we’re committed to providing clear, accessible information for everyone.
Community
Our door is always open. Living with cancer is difficult, it can feel isolating and result in a loss of confidence. We understand it can be difficult to stay positive and maintain working, or a social life. We are a community of local people who understand how you feel and will be right by your side.
Thrive
We know cancer takes a lot. We want you to understand that being you before, during and after cancer is always enough. Whether it’s learning to accept what is, meeting new people or getting back to exercise, we are here to help you thrive.
Meet the Team
A Little History
The Trust was formed in a portakabin on the site of The Royal South Hants Hospital in 1981 by a small group of medical professionals. During the first 30 years, the Trust was focused on raising funds for major projects and research taking place throughout the Wessex region. This included funding breast cancer nurses, ground-breaking research into pioneering treatments and numerous appeals for hospital wards and equipment.
Improving the lives of people affected by cancer has always been at the heart of our work. So in 2012, it was a natural progression for us to start delivering community-based services, close to people’s homes. The Trust has developed rapidly over recent years and now has four Cancer Support Centres, along with a range of other non-clinical support services.
The whole team is immensely proud of what we have achieved over the past 39 years and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to the charity’s journey.
1981
Wessex Cancer Trust established in a portacabin at the Royal South Hants Hospital.
1986
We set up the first breast cancer screening service in the region.
1987
We funded the first breast cancer care nurse in Wessex.
1988
Support for Southampton General Hospital Children’s cancer Unit began. The Piam Brown Ward.
1992
Out of hospital support began in our Support Centres.
2007
We provided £250,000 to renovate the Isle of Wight Chemotherapy Unit.
2012
Waterside Cancer Support Centre Joined Wessex Cancer Trust
2013
We opened our Isle of Wight Cancer Support Centre
2015
Chandler’s Ford Cancer Support Centre opened.
2016
We celebrated 35 years of cancer support.
2016
Our Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre opened.
2017
Over 100 people took part in our first Walk for Hope event and raised over £25,000!
2019
Fundraising and work began on our new Cancer Wellbeing Centre on the Isle of Wight!
2020
Isle of Wight Cancer Wellbeing Centre opened.
2020
Covid-19 forced us to temporarily close our doors and bring our support online.
2021
We celebrate 40 years of local cancer care!