Welcome to your Waterside Cancer Support Centre
Founded by June Richens in 2010, the Waterside Centre was established to support people living with cancer, and soon became a treasured part of the local community, much as it is today.
In October 2011, the centre joined Wessex Cancer Support to become the Waterside Cancer Support Centre, supporting people across the Wessex region, including Hythe, Netley, New Forest, Bournemouth and Southampton.
Located in the town centre of Hythe, Hampshire, our Waterside Cancer Support Centre overlooks The Solent, providing clear views and tranquil spaces.
When you arrive, our team of staff and volunteers will greet you with a warm welcome. Our role is to help and support you in a relaxing, non-clinical environment, surrounded by people who have experience of a cancer diagnosis themselves or someone close to them.
Anyone from the Wessex area is welcome to visit the centre and it’s important to us you feel at ease at Waterside. We offer a range of support for those affected by cancer, from drop-in sessions with our support volunteers to individual counselling and complimentary therapies, including massage.
To apply for our services, see our how to refer guidance or contact our centre.
When we’re open for drop-ins
(no appointment required)
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10am – 1pm
Tuesday: 10am – 3pm
Meet the team
Centre Manager | Onize Okhiku
Centre Coordinator: Cheryl Soffe
45 Years of Wessex Cancer Support
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.
Throughout 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.
Learn more hereDownload our services guide
We offer a range of cancer support services to help you and your loved ones. To learn more about our services, what we provide and how we can help you, we have created a guide outlining all that you need to know about your Waterside Cancer Support Centre. Download your copy.
If you would like to speak to our friendly team, contact us today.
Download our guide
“The support I received at Waterside after my wife died was absolutely tremendous and such a help to me at the time. I didn’t like to burden family and friends but Waterside felt a very safe place to visit, meeting people who understood me and my experiences. Cancer doesn’t end after treatment but the help on offer is invaluable and it’s why I now give back as a volunteer support worker.”
John Wessex Cancer Support ClientExplore our cancer support services
Upcoming community support activities
Health and Wellbeing Coach for Waterside Primary Care Network
Thursday 29 January,10:30am – 12:30pm
Hosted by: Heidi Rehman
Heidi, together with Wessex Cancer Support’s caring team of therapists and volunteers, Heidi will be offering guidance, reassurance, and information about the many support services available to you. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want a friendly conversation, we’re here for you.
Art with Julie
Tuesday 10 February
10:30am – 12:30pm
Please note places are limited to four
Walking Group with Mel (short walk)
Ring to confirm date
10:30am
Meet at Waterside Cancer Support Centre
Zoom with Ann
Every Wednesday
6:15pm
Coffee Morning
Wednesday 11 February
10:30am – 12:30pm
Meet at Waterside Cancer Support Centre
MENTalk
Every third Thursday of each month
Arrive 6:30pm for a 7pm start
Please note: For January, MENTalk will only be available on Thursday 29 January @ 6:30pm
Walking Group with Mel (long walk)
Ring to confirm date
10:30am
Meet at Waterside Cancer Support Centre
Book your place
To book your place onto one of our support sessions, visit our centre or email:
waterside@wessexcancer.org.uk
Become a Support Volunteer
Our Support Volunteers at Waterside Cancer Support Centre are exceptional people and are essential in helping us provide the support our clients need.
They offer practical and emotional support to adults at all stages of their cancer journey and listen without judging, always maintaining confidentiality.
If you’re interested in joining our team, find out more about becoming a volunteer at Wessex Cancer Support.
Become a volunteer
Contact us
Wessex Cancer Support
Waterside Cancer Support Centre
The Grove
25 St John’s Street
Hythe
SO45 6BZ
Tel: 023 8178 0409
Email: waterside@wessexcancer.org.uk
Accessibility
The centre has disabled access.
Sadly, we have no on-site parking, though you can park locally within a short walk of the centre. We are very happy to advise you.
How to apply to our services
To apply to our services contact us, or find out more via our how to refer to our services section.
How to find us
Our Waterside Cancer Support Centre is based in The Grove, located in St John’s Street, Hythe. The building also houses other organisations, such as Hythe and Dibden Parish Council and Citizens Advice. To find us, use the path that wraps the building, taking you to the rear where you will see our centre.
Use the Google Maps feature below to learn more.
Donate to support your
local cancer support centre
Your donation helps make services like the Waterside Cancer Support Centre possible. Waterside Cancer Support Centre provides free, personalised wellbeing support to people affect by cancer in Hampshire. £10 could help support the cost of essential aromatherapy oils, £45 could help support the cost of a support session, and £130 could help support the cost of a centre for a day.
The cancer support centres run entirely thanks to the kindness and generosity of people like you. Every penny you donate makes a huge difference. From everyone at Wessex Cancer Support, thank you.
