We’re pleased to confirm 'South East Cancer Help Centre' is our Captains’ chosen charity for 2024-25
The Centre’s mission is to help as many people as possible with, or affected by, cancer to cope with their situation by providing them with a range of high-quality support services including: complementary therapies, counselling, support groups and other therapeutic activities, in a caring, friendly and supportive environment.
The Centre started in 1983 as a small self-help group, meeting in a home in Caterham, for people who had been diagnosed as having cancer. The numbers gradually increased as more people became aware of the need and the benefit of emotional support, following the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The group moved to larger premises and then to the Gatehouse of the old waterworks in Purley.
When Tesco took over the site, arrangements were made for the Centre to have rent-free accommodation as part of the initial development. When Tesco's need for retail space expanded, they provided excellent alternative purpose-built accommodation within the redeveloped site. There are now over 300 members attending the Centre regularly.
The Centre provides a wide choice of complementary therapies and counselling, offered to members by professionally qualified therapists. There is a range of groups, catering for different needs, such as support, reflection and relaxation, as well as social gatherings for others.
The Centre is mainly funded by voluntary donations and legacies. Fund-raising and publicity have had to become a very necessary part of the work of the Centre.
We hope all members will support this very worthwhile cause.
