Celebrating volunteers at Brighton cancer support centre

The Brighton cancer support centre, which is opposite the Royal Sussex County Hospital, benefits from more than 100 volunteers who provide a range of services, including information and support, complementary therapies, psychological therapy, to cutting hair and exercise classes.

Geoff Brown, the Macmillan Horizon Centre manager, said: “Since opening in November we are very proud that we have responded to nearly 10,000 requests of information and support. This includes; more than 4,500 visits to our café, nearly 350 complementary therapy treatments, more than 450 counselling sessions, and more than 800 peer support sessions for head and neck cancer patients.

“We are really pleased that we have been able to support so many people affected by cancer. That has been made possible by the generosity of our volunteers. As the demand grows so does the need for more volunteers to provide that support.”

All volunteers are professionals who dedicate a minimum of half a day a month, some doing a morning every week.

Fatima Polo volunteers as a yoga instructor and runs a female-only yoga class from the centre every Monday evening from 5.30pm to 6.45pm. Originally from Madrid, she now lives in Hove with her partner.

She said: “I hold a yoga class especially for women. I had always been interested in yoga and how it can help women gain a sense of freedom and peace from the class. They can relax and it's a space for them to be calm and get a sense of disconnection from their anxieties. Breathing, mindfulness and being able to relax is hugely beneficial to reducing stress.

“The class is for all ages and abilities and the women I have vary from 37 to 74.

“I have found volunteering here at the centre so rewarding. People have told me it helps get them through the week. Since volunteering here, I have seen women evolve, some who have had physical restrictions, stiff arms and I get the chance to see them progress,

“My granddad had cancer for years and I want to be able to help people to cope with what he went through.

“I wanted to be able to share what I have learned with people who can benefit from it. It means I give something and in return I get a lot of very positive experiences.”

Lyn Foster from Burgess Hill has volunteered at the café since it opened. She also made a cake to mark the opening of the Horizon Centre.

She said: “I had breast cancer four years ago, and I wanted to be able to offer support to others. I saw an advert on Facebook and thought it was perfect for me. I had already worked in food because I’m a cake decorator so it seemed the perfect fit. I came here and everything clicked. It’s a great team effort. You offer support, but you also feel supported.”

Morgana Villen is a complementary therapist at the centre.

She said: “The reason I volunteer at the Horizon Centre is firstly because I really love my work as a complementary therapist and my aunty and grandmother died of cancer.

"My aunty didn’t have a good experience and so now I can make things better for people with cancer - make them a little bit more comfortable.

"It’s good for someone who’s going through a difficult time to receive something as lovely and relaxing as a massage. But we need more people. We have a waiting lists so if you are a therapist, then please come here and volunteer for a few hours a week.”

All volunteers at the Macmillan Horizon Centre are interviewed and offered training. Anyone wishing to volunteer at the Horizon Centre should email [email protected]

To find out more about the Horizon Centre, visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/horizoncentre