LOCAL cancer charity We Hear You says 2016 was its busiest year ever and is looking forward to another record-breaking year ahead with even more fundraising events and support services planned for 2017.
Director Melissa Hillier said, “We re-branded at the beginning of 2016 from Positive Action on Cancer to We Hear You; the new look and feel has helped us to provide emotional support to more people than ever before – with referrals up by over 50%.
“Based in Frome, we deliver over 90 counselling sessions a week across Somerset, Bath and Wiltshire. Each session has a cost of £44 but all our service is provided free of charge to anyone who needs it.
“Sally Sandiford, who used our service after a diagnosis of cancer said, ‘It’s good to find a counsellor who understands the unique position of having had cancer and who’s independent, you can just say whatever you’re feeling without having to worry about how they might react. Not having to worry about any of that at all and just being yourself.’
“The service the charity provides is unique and we raise funds in unique and innovative ways, this year opening The Good Gallery on Stony Street – selling local artists’ products whilst all commission comes back to the charity.
“In 2016 we expanded our reach into Somerset, opening a new service in Street as well as Bradford on Avon in Wiltshire. In March 2017 we will be providing counselling in Midsomer Norton and Radstock too. Our online counselling service continues to go from strength to strength and we have also increased the number of children’s counselling sessions we are able to offer.
“At We Hear You we understand that the devastating impact of cancer and life threatening conditions can be overwhelming. It can leave you feeling numb, isolated and terrified and can seem too big to cope with. We provide a safe space where people can say the unsayable and ask the unanswerable. The emotional impact of diseases on those affected and those closest to them can often be a hidden burden and We Hear You is here to help.
“This year we have seen many people from the community support our work through cake bakes, sky dives and marathons. We were also utterly delighted to have our first We Hear You supporters walking the Great Wall of China – they raised a fantastic £8,510.74. We have welcomed continuing support from local companies too including Marsden Foods, the Co-operative Funeral Care and TSB plus many more.
“We couldn’t continue to support so many people affected by cancer without the community’s phenomenal generosity. A HUGE thank you to you all – we couldn’t do it without you and keep it up as 2017 is looking busier than ever!”
