WHY We exist
chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed by years of taking hormonal medication. These forms of cancer treatment take their toll physically, emotionally, financially, and in other aspects of daily life.
For everyone a diagnosis of breast cancer means living with uncertainty.
Before, during and after treatment people often feel isolated and anxious about their future. During treatment they may also develop debilitating side-effects and symptoms which significantly undermine a person’s ability to live well with and beyond breast cancer.
This is where Breast Cancer Haven comes in. We exist to support anyone affected by breast cancer. We are the only charity that offers an in-depth, personalised programme of emotional, physical and practical support to help with side-effects and improve the quality of life.
Why do you say “affected by breast cancer”?
We say “affected by breast cancer” because we understand that the impact of breast cancer is not reserved for the person with the diagnosis. Family members and loved ones also need support at this time. We therefore offer support to all those affected.
If you have been affected by breast cancer and need support please contact us
WHAT WE DID
Sara was concerned by the lack of emotional support and information available at that time to anyone diagnosed with the disease. Believing that “no-one should have to face breast cancer alone”, Sara sold her art business and put all of her energy into creating Breast Cancer Haven.
Prior to March 2020 people affected by breast cancer would visit one of our five welcoming support Centres based in South-West London, Leeds, Solihull, Hereford, and Titchfield, Hampshire or our two hospital-based outreaches in Worcester and North London.
These Centres, our Havens, were well appointed, peaceful and safe. They were designed to be tranquil spaces where visitors could relax, focus on putting their lives back together and meet others.
Our core provision was delivered through our free face-to-face support programme to people who were able to travel to one of our locations. This was made up of 12 hours of one-to-one appointment time and would include two hours with an experienced healthcare professional and up to 10 hours of intensive one–to-one therapy time.
Due to the impact of COVID-19 our Havens were closed, our fundraised income was greatly depleted, and the expense of running indefinitely closed buildings was not viable, nor deemed to be a worthy use of charitable funds
HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED
So as soon as we had to shut our buildings, we knew that we had to adapt. Within the first week of lockdown Breast Cancer Haven started to deliver online support services.
We now deliver one-to-one support sessions, healthy eating, exercise and stress reduction classes, and a range of self-help videos and resources. All of which can be accessed online.
Our reach now extends to provide support to people irrespective of geographic location.
We have worked hard to retain the feel of our services and continue to deliver tranquil, Haven-esque experiences which help to improve lives.
OUR MISSION
OUR values
We are authentic
Both our people and our services are trustworthy
We give accurate and reliable advice
We are always realistic about what is achievable
Our staff and therapists are fully trained and expert in their field
We are accessible
We never discriminate on who can access our services
Everyone in our workforce is approachable
We will produce information and advice that is easy to understand
We are compassionate
We connect and empathise with people
Everyone we come into contact with is treated with dignity
We are person-centred
We value every individual
All views are heard and respected
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Help us to support more people through the toughest times of their lives