“The new Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre is a lovely place. It’s so comforting and if you need support, advice or a bit of relaxation, this is the place to come in this area.”
Charter Mayor of Bournemouth, Jackie Edwards(Image left to right: Diane Cutler, Chair of Trustees for Wessex Cancer Support, Rachel Billsberry-Grass, CEO of Wessex Cancer Support, Charter Mayor of Bournemouth, Jackie Edwards, Suzanne Bannister, Director of Support Services, Steffi Colbert, Bournemouth Support Centre Manager)
Wessex Cancer Support is thrilled to have officially opened our new Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre.
The new premises on Poole Hill is double the size of our old centre, giving us scope to develop our support services to help more people affected by cancer across Bournemouth and wider Dorset.
It was lovely to welcome people to our launch event recently, including Bournemouth Mayor, Councillor Jackie Edwards, who has given her backing.
“The new Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre is a lovely place. It’s so comforting and if you need support, advice or a bit of relaxation, this is the place to come in this area.”
Charter Mayor of Bournemouth, Jackie EdwardsTherapy and counselling rooms, an activity studio, and flexible spaces for courses and group sessions are all accommodated in the new centre.
We would also like to say a big thank you to Wessex Community Bank for a £500 grant towards a new fridge and washer/dryer for the centre. This grant has helped to provide some of the essential equipment our services need.
“This centre is incredibly important for Bournemouth and the wider Dorset county. This year, we’re on track to see over 500 new clients in 2025, meaning we have delivered over 5000 support interactions for our Bournemouth services. This centre is for local people, whether it’s for themselves or a loved one, they can come here and get the support that makes such a crucial difference at an important time in their lives.”
Rachel Billsberry-Grass, Wessex Cancer Support CEOTo add to our existing support services, we’re planning to introduce more courses and activities in Bournemouth, including Tai Chi and yoga.
“This is a really important moment for us in Bournemouth and Dorset. This new centre enables us to further develop our support services, at a time when we know there are more people across our local communities who could really benefit from our help. If you or anyone you know has been affected by cancer, please get in touch.”
Centre Manager, Steffi ColbertThe new centre has also given us chance to celebrate the role volunteers play in supporting people with cancer.
By helping run counselling and group activities, as well as raising funds, volunteers are central to our work.
Wendy, a Bournemouth centre volunteer, said it was a way for her to give back.
“One of the clients said to me they thought they were coming to a friend’s house for a chat and a hot drink — that’s the atmosphere we aim to create,” she said. “It’s a special place.”
Wendy, Support VolunteerFind out more about our cancer support services in Bournemouth here.
If you, or someone you know has been affected by cancer, your local cancer support centre is there for you. We offer a range of free, personalised support services from complementary therapies, to counselling and peer support groups. We tailor our services around your needs.
You can call or email your local centre today, or drop in to speak to our friendly team.
Our services are funded through the generous donations we receive, through our fundraising events such as our Christmas Carol Concert, and through our Wessex Lottery.
