Cancer charity opens doors to bigger support centre

Support centre manager Steffi Colbert (left) and client Nat who launched the fundraising appeal in February to fund the move

A charity offering support services for people with cancer and their loved ones has moved into larger premises to meet growing demand.

Wessex Cancer Support fundraised to move from Hinton Road, Bournemouth - its base for the past 10 years - to create the new centre on Poole Hill.

Steffi Colbert, centre manager, said: "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."

The charity started an appeal in February to raise the £150,000 needed to fit out the its therapy and counselling rooms, activity studio and office, as well as to cover the first year's running costs.

The centre is already open, with an official launch planned for 3 December.

The charity runs three other cancer support centres in Chandler's Ford, Waterside (Hythe) and at Newport, Isle of Wight.

The centres offer drop-in sessions, counselling, therapies, activities, support groups and courses.

The charity also provides online services for people to access support from home.