Warm Winter Welcome at The Mulberry Centre

Aim

With higher energy prices, please help us provide a warm welcome and space for anyone affected by cancer.

“A warm and welcoming place. I will never forget the day I thought my world was over, only to learn from them that it was just beginning.”

The Mulberry Centre is an award-winning cancer information and support centre and an independent charity (No. 1108999), based on the grounds of the West Middlesex University Hospital in Isleworth, West London.

Our mission is to provide support and information for people affected by cancer who live in west and southwest London, offering practical ways of enhancing physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. 

We are the only cancer information and support centre in the local area delivering services to all people affected by a diagnosis: to the patient, friends and family, carers and those bereaved by cancer.   Although most of the people who use our services come from the London Boroughs of Hounslow, Richmond, and Ealing, we are open to all, regardless of postcode or hospital of diagnosis. We also provide bereavement and end-of-life support to anyone living working or being treated in Hounslow borough. All the services are provided free of charge and include: 

• One to One Support: Emotional support, Counselling, Coaching, Legal Information, Welfare & Benefits, Bereavement Counselling and Soul Midwife Support for end of life.
• Support Groups: Patients, Carers, Bereaved, Men’s Group, Patients with an End-of-life Diagnosis.
• Complementary Therapies: Aromatherapy, Massage, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Reiki, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
• Social and Creative Activities: Book Club, Creative Writing, Watercolour Class, Mandala Class, Social Coffee Morning, Health Walks.
• Wellbeing Classes: Meditation, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Gaining Strength and Balance, Men’s Yoga, Table Tennis.
• Workshops: Cancer Nutrition, Managing Stress, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), How People Grieve, Coffee Morning, Hot Flushes, Body Image & Impact on Sex Life, Bra Fitting Service, Death Café, Making a Will, Headscarf Tying, Massage. 
• Community Engagement: information talks on how to reduce cancer risk, identify signs and symptoms of cancer, the importance of early screening, and cancer and bereavement support services available.
• Peaceful Space to relax, drop in for a cup of tea and meet others with access to a beautiful garden weather permitting. 

Since 2001, we have provided services and support to more than 15,000 people. We hold the Macmillan Quality Environmental Mark Award for excellent facilities. In 2021, we were honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, as well as the Hounslow Business Award for Best Charity.  

Most of our patient referrals come from the West Middlesex University Hospital, although people affected by cancer can self-refer direct to The Mulberry Centre. To learn more about The Mulberry Centre, please visit www.themulberrycentre.co.uk

“I love coming to the Mulberry Centre because it feels such a safe place to be and exudes calm and care.”

Why are we crowdfunding?

Energy bills have increased, and people affected by cancer need to keep warm during this very difficult time in their lives.  The energy bills of The Mulberry Centre have doubled since last year. We need to raise £3600 this year for energy for our drop-in Centre. We need to keep the Centre warm and well-lit for people affected by cancer, who come to us for support and information. 

We are noticing that more people are staying longer, after accessing a service session. They are staying in our welcome area for cup of tea or coffee, a chat, to read, do a jigsaw and/or participate in extra social classes such as art class or table tennis. Also, people registered to access our services are just popping into the Centre to use the warm space and get a hot drink.

How we’ll spend the money raised

We will spend the money raised on our energy bills. 

This project successfully funded on 14th February 2023