45 stories for 45 years. Throughout 2026, we’re sharing the stories of our clients, volunteers and staff who make the Wessex Cancer Support community what it is.
Through our community’s lived experience of cancer, we can provide our clients with the tailored support they need.
For this edition, our very own, Onize, Centre Support Manager for Waterside Cancer Support Centre, shares their story and experience.
For me, I’m all about giving. From a young age, my life has been impacted by personal loss and trauma and from those experiences it’s created something inside of me to ensure no one else feels like that.
There’s a sense of achievement I have in protecting people from similar experiences.
I had been offered a job in the commercial world when Wessex told me they wanted me to come and work for them, there was no question that I wouldn’t take it! I wanted to have a role that would enable me to give back to our community.
When I started at Wessex, my role was involved managing our data. Yet, I was still part of the front-line team, interacting with clients and learning more about their experiences.
I saw first-hand the differences that we make and the positive impact we have on our clients. When I had the opportunity to become the Centre Manager, I knew this was the right path for me.
The environment we have created at Wessex has never made me feel any different from any other person in the organisation. It’s always been a warm and welcoming space, where I feel an active part of the team, where I can be who I am.
But, one of the things that stood out to me was that there weren’t many people like me accessing our services.
We do a lot of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work here at Wessex, and I’m proud of the initiatives that we undertake, but there’s still more to do to encourage people of colour to come forward.
From my own experience, I’ve had two friends close to me that have gone through cancer. It was while I was working for Wessex their journeys began, and I could see the impact it was having on them physically and mentally.
I had approached them to say we have the support they were needing at the time, and that’s when I realised there are other factors at play for people seeking out support.
I know of people and friends, who have lost friends, because they’ve got cancer and they didn’t know how to manage that situation. They don’t know how to relate to them in that space. People don’t want others to feel sorry for them, so they hide what’s happening or how they feel.
Whether it’s their beliefs, values, bravado, or in my friends’ case cancer is a taboo subject in some cultures, people don’t want to acknowledge they have cancer, and in turn those around them also find it challenging to talk about the subject. This is where I want to encourage those people to come forward, because we’re all human. Cancer is indiscriminate with the lives it chooses to impact, our services are designed to support all.
It’s difficult to work in an environment that is so welcoming, yet have friends where other factors mean they didn’t reach out for the help they needed.
In this role, you see how vulnerable people are, especially when they first come to the centre, but the difference to their aura and energy after they leave is incredible. Being able to work in a place that allows me to create this safe space for people makes me feel like I’m giving back to my friends in some shape or form, even though they won’t come in for the support themselves.
This is why I wanted to share my story, to encourage people to come forward, especially those from ethnic minorities. Our cancer support centres are there for everyone. There’s no shame in asking for help, you’re only human. We’re a community that is there for people like me.
I’ve had one-to-one conversations with people that have really grounded me. It’s made me appreciate life more and helped to put things into perspective.
I remember one conversation with a lady recently who had stage 4 cancer. She had been diagnosed last year and her medical statistics were not looking great – things were looking uncertain. But this one morning she had been to an appointment and came to the centre after, telling us that her numbers were looking more stable; she had the biggest smile on her face.
In that moment, we shared a laugh about the positive news, and in that’s when I realised the importance of appreciating the small things. Taking each moment, day by day. Not looking too far forward, just focussing on the now.
It’s sharing these moments with our clients that mean the most. That’s the feedback I get from people when I talk to them – celebrating with them and holding their hands when they need a moment to reflect.
That’s the type of environment we have created for people. We wanted to have something that was totally opposite to what they would experience in a medical setting.
It’s a space for people to come and chat. There’s no pressure. You can be yourself, be vulnerable or share what’s happening in your life. You won’t be judged, we’re here to listen.
It’s thanks to the volunteers that we have. They make all the difference. Our volunteers enable us to deliver the services and support our clients’ needs. We are so grateful for what they do, and I see every day how they give 110% of themselves to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
For anyone considering volunteering, I would encourage you to become part of #TeamWessex. Your skills are invaluable, there’s so much you can support our team with, whether it’s listening and supporting our clients, or supporting with data and admin, it all makes a difference.
Our community provides a safe, supportive space for people affected by cancer. Through our emotional and wellbeing services, we provide the support to our communities in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We’ve been here for you since 1981.
You can call or email your local cancer support centre today, or drop in to speak to our friendly team.
And if you would like to learn more about volunteering and becoming part of #TeamWessex, you can see more about becoming a volunteer here
