2026 is a big year for Wessex Cancer Support, as we turn 45.
Since 1981, you have helped us be there to support local people affected by cancer. We are a pillar of support for people across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, ensuring no one in our community has to face cancer alone.
Our cancer support centres are safe, welcoming and gentle spaces. Offering compassion and friendship, reflection and community, fun and laughter. A sanctuary for those who need it, offering gentle respite away from the clinical setting of cancer treatment.
At Wessex Cancer Support you’re always seen as an individual. You have your own experience, and your own needs. From professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, support groups and courses, we have support services to suit everyone.
This may include a listening ear in a moment of crisis, support groups to share experiences and help you process, or complementary therapies, like reiki or massage therapies to relieve the symptoms of lymphoedema, that bring gentle relief to both body and mind. We are dedicated to helping you to restore your wellbeing and confidence.
All of our services are generously funded by the communities we work within. Every donation for a cup of tea, a complementary therapy or a counselling session, is helping our neighbours to live well after cancer has changed their world.
For 45 years, we’ve been here for you and your community.
My experience was not just about survival, but a profound lesson in the power of shared vulnerability. I learned that true resilience isn’t about being perfectly strong; it’s about knowing when and where to seek shelter and, ultimately, reaching back to light the way for someone else.
Amanda, Wessex Cancer Support Client and Staff MemberThroughout 2026, we will be celebrating 45 years of supporting local people affected by cancer. We’ll also have a number of ways for you to learn more about what we do and how you can help support services continue in the future.
As part of a new series, we’ll be sharing 45 stories from our clients, volunteers and staff throughout 2026. Sharing their experiences and why they choose to be part of our community. Look out for our stories on our social media channels.
Don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
See our community stories here
From January to October, you can save 45% off your purchases in our charity stores when you spend £15 or more. This offer will happen on the following selected days:
Terms and conditions apply. Learn more about your local Wessex Cancer Support charity store here.
At Wessex Cancer Support, our volunteers are more than just helpers; they are the frontline of our care and the face of our community presence. Whether you’re an Excel guru, a content creator, a fundraising extraordinaire, a retail sales specialist, or have the patience and time to listen to someone in need, you can make a meaningful difference to people at a vulnerable time in their lives.
Can you donate 45 days in 2026? Volunteering is a great opportunity to give back to your community and genuinely make a difference.
We’re looking for:
We would love you to be part of #TeamWessex. Please email our friendly Volunteering team for more information:
volunteering@wessexcancer.org.ukYou can ensure the support you valued in life is still there for someone else, long after you’ve gone. Leaving a gift in your will to Wessex Cancer Support is part of your legacy, supporting local people affected by cancer.
With our partner, Octopus Legacy, we provide our supporters with a free, will-writing service checked and authorised by a qualified legal expert.
Learn more about leaving a gift in your will here.
Your local cancer support centres are funded by the generous donations we receive from our community. Money raised goes towards providing cancer support services including counselling, exercise and wellbeing sessions, and online cancer support.
Your donation of £45 could fund a one-to-one counselling session, giving someone space to talk, process and begin to heal.
Donate £45 and make a difference to someone affected by cancer
Discover a wide variety of fundraising events designed to bring our community together and support people affected by cancer. Whether you are a client, family member, volunteer or friend, there’s something for everyone – from challenge events and running events to community gatherings and creative fundraisers.
In 2026, you can take part in our:
Explore our full list of activities and register now
“Lin and I have both gained so much and we are incredibly grateful to Wessex Cancer Support for everything they have done for us. Knowing Lin has someone to lean on is a big comfort to me too and it has made such a difference to us both.”
Adam, Wessex Cancer Support ClientYour support helps provide safe and welcoming spaces where people and their families can access free services such as professional counselling, complementary therapies, wellbeing activities and community groups.
In 2025, we supported more than 1400 people and had over 20,000 support interactions across the Wessex region.
Come and support your local cancer charity and join us to celebrate our 45th year supporting our communities in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
No one’s experience of cancer is the same. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, or you’re supporting a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer, having the right support is essential for your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Our cancer support centres provide free, local services to support you in a non-clinical, safe and welcoming environment. Learn more about our services here, if you would like to speak to one of our friendly team, please contact your local cancer support centre.
Here for you since 1981
Find your local cancer support centre