A SUPPORT centre in Bournemouth for cancer sufferers has helped almost 700 people living with cancer in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight through its telephone and online services

The spread of the coronavirus forced the charity to close its support centres on Friday March 20, however they have still remained functional in providing support for those that need it online and over the phone.

The coronavirus pandemic is a particularly anxious time for anyone living with cancer. Many are having treatment delayed, are worried about a higher risk of infection or are feeling more isolated and vulnerable.

Wessex Cancer Trust's CEO Cait Allen, said: “We exist to support thousands of local people each year at a time in their lives they most need it. Now, they need us more than ever.

"All of us are adjusting to a new way of living, but cancer doesn’t stop and you may be feeling particularly anxious and isolated if you have it. You might also be worried that your treatment is being delayed or that you’re at a higher risk of infection.

"Because we’ve had to temporarily close our support centres we’ve been working extremely hard to introduce new ways of helping as many existing and new clients as possible and we're pleased so many have felt that using our telephone and online support services would be helpful to them."

Wessex Cancer Trust have been providing people with a telephone helpline covering its four support centres in Bournemouth, Hythe, Chandler’s Ford and Isle of Wight, as well as telephone counselling, coffee and catch-up sessions across Hampshire and Dorset and virtual sound therapy support groups among other activities.

The charity also provide a daisy bus taking Isle of Wight passengers to their appointments at Southampton Hospital, and will return to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth once this service is required again.

With most of the charity’s fundraising or events postponed or cancelled, they have set up a Just Giving page to raise money so it can continue to be there for as many local people living with cancer as possible.

Cait added: "It's vitally important that we can continue to be here for local people who need to rely on us for support and we'll keep reviewing our services during the pandemic to make sure they know they're not alone."

So far they have raised close to £2,000 to go towards continuing their services during the current lockdown.

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/StillHereForYou, and for more information and to access support, visit https://www.wessexcancer.org.uk/.