Wessex Cancer Support recently welcomed local residents to its Waterside support centre for a community open day on Thursday 29 January. Running from 10.30am to 12.30pm, the event helped raise awareness of the free cancer support services available right in the heart of Hythe.
The open day brought together health professionals, volunteers and people affected by cancer in the centre’s warm and welcoming space. It was one of many events planned to mark our 45th anniversary this year.
The event was organised in partnership by Heidi Rehman, Health and Wellbeing Coach for Waterside Primary Care Network (PCN), alongside Wessex Cancer Support’s staff and volunteers. The aim was simple: to make sure people living locally know about the emotional, practical and wellbeing support available on their doorstep.
“We know that visiting one of our Centres for the first time can feel like a big step. “Living with cancer is challenging enough, which is why we love opening our doors so people can look around, meet the team and see how friendly and relaxed our Centres really are. We want everyone to feel comfortable popping in whenever they need us.”
Onize Okhiku, Waterside Centre ManagerFifteen people attended the open day, including nine first-time visitors, highlighting the value of reaching out directly within the community. Ahead of the event, over 100 local residents recently diagnosed with cancer received a personal text invitation through their GP practices.
This close collaboration with local NHS colleagues helps us connect with people who may not yet have been referred through hospital oncology teams.
Heidi Rehman attended the event and spoke with guests about health and wellbeing services available across the Waterside area, including Totton and Hythe.
“Heidi continues to work alongside us to raise awareness of local support. “We’re very grateful to her and the Waterside PCN for their continued collaboration. Together, we share a commitment to early support, prevention and improving quality of life for everyone affected by cancer.”
Suzanne Bannister, Director of Support ServicesOn the day, Wessex Cancer Support staff and volunteers offered one-to-one conversations, shared information and made everyone feel at home. Volunteers also provided home-baked refreshments, helping create a relaxed space where people felt comfortable talking openly.
Visitors learned more about the charity’s emotional support, practical advice, wellbeing therapies and group activities, with many appreciating having non-clinical support close to home.
Plans are already underway for another open day at the St John’s Street Centre towards the end of April, helping even more people affected by cancer know where to turn for support.
By continuing to work closely with local NHS partners, Wessex Cancer Support is reaching more people across Hythe and the wider Waterside community – when support matters most.
Wessex Cancer Support provides free, local and personalised emotional support to anyone affected by cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight. Clients may have cancer themselves, be adjusting to life after cancer, supporting someone with cancer, or be bereaved. It is a charity which relies on donations to provide this support.
In 2026, the charity is celebrating its 45th year supporting the communities across Wessex through its four cancer support centres in Chandler’s Ford, Bournemouth, Waterside (Hythe) and Newport (Isle of Wight), the charity offers a drop-in service, professional counselling, complementary therapies, activities, support groups and courses. It also provides online services so people can access support from the comfort of their own home.
In 2025, the charity provided over 18,900 client support sessions across its services and 97% of clients rated the support they received as good or excellent.
Visit www.wessexcancer.org.uk for more information
Email: media@wessexcancer.org.uk
Tel: 023 8067 2200 [office hours]