We’re looking for an experienced and enthusiastic manager passionate about making a difference to the lives of local people living with cancer to join our Waterside Support Centre at St John’s street in Hythe.
Click here to find out more.
June Richens founded the Centre in 2010 after her husband died of a brain tumour. Determined that anyone living with cancer should have a free and local place to go to be listened to and supported, she rallied the local community to create a haven that the Waterside area quickly took to its heart.
When the Covid-19 pandemic forced Wessex Cancer Support to temporarily close the doors of its Support Centres, the charity supported each Centre to quickly set up telephone and online support so they could continue to be there for everyone who needed it. Now, they are all gently welcoming back clients for face-to-face support. The new manager will play a key role in shaping the future of cancer care for local residents.
June says the role is varied with lots of opportunity to be innovative, and that the ability to build links within a very close and supportive community is paramount:
“Everyone at the Waterside Support Centre is passionate about the difference we can make to the lives of local people living with cancer. Many of us have experienced cancer ourselves and are very mindful of the feelings and situations it can bring. Our mission is simple, really; that anyone visiting leaves feeling better than when they arrived. Whilst, of course, there can be tears, there is also a lot of fun and laughter and people really value knowing they’ll be welcomed however they’re affected by cancer. We’re known as a haven locally and so many say they don’t know what they’d do without us.
“We also liaise very closely with local GP practices who direct people to us, and in turn signpost clients to other agencies who might be able to help them. Wessex Cancer Support strives to provide local people with personalised wellbeing support which is very much needed at the moment. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone who shares our passion of being at the heart of local cancer support.”
If you are interested in supporting the local community in this role, please contact Colette Cowan at colette.cowan@wessexcancer.org.uk or telephone 023 80 672200 for an informal chat in the first instance.