A CHARITY providing free local support for cancer patients in Dorset is looking to the future after recruiting a new wellbeing coordinator to its ranks.

Wessex Cancer Trust has taken its next steps in shaping the future of cancer care by recruiting wellbeing coordinator Phil Warner, who will help the charity to deliver a personalised model of care for every client.

Funding for the post has been made possible thanks to a grant from the Linbury Trust.

It comes after Wessex Cancer Trust commissioned a large piece of research into what local people needed most from cancer support. Experts heard from over 500 people who have any type of cancer at any stage; loved ones affected by cancer, and major stakeholders including local hospitals, local authorities, other charities and hospitals.

The findings highlighted the importance of emotional support and demonstrated that everyone has different needs, concerns and feelings.

Every client accessing the charity’s services will now have an opportunity to talk to Phil about their individual concerns and needs, to develop a personalised support plan.

The charity also plans to expand its support groups, workshops and courses on areas such as nutrition, sleep and wellbeing.

Phil Warner said: “Cancer doesn’t just affect people between the hours of 9 - 5, so we’ll be working even harder to ensure that as many people as possible can access care, away from a clinical environment.

"We’ll also be able to direct our clients to other partners who we think will be able to provide more specialised care, one example being financial support.”

Colette Cowan, Wessex Cancer Trust’s head of service delivery, said: “We know that over 100,000 people are living with cancer in our region and that everyone’s journey through cancer is different. This requires a unique approach to care and as a local charity we have the freedom and flexibility to evolve our services.

"Never has that been truer than during Covid-19 when we were forced to temporarily close our four support centres. We quickly set up telephone helplines and moved services online so we can continue to provide the support people rely on.

"So I’m really excited that, thanks to the Linbury Trust, we’ve been able to welcome Phil to the team. His role will take the care we provide to a much deeper level and ensure clients benefit as much as possible from their time with us.

"We’re still very much the charity people know and love and always promise to be welcoming, friendly and supportive - whether you’re chatting with our trained befrienders, using our Daisy Bus to get to your hospital appointment or having a complementary therapy.”