Comforting cancer support

Christchurch’s new Cancer Centre (pictured) is well under way, assisted by a recent $400,000 grant from the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT).

The new centre will be a place of support for people with breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, leukaemia, and many other forms of cancer. In addition to providing accommodation and other support services, it will be a base from which vital cancer research and cancer prevention programmes are carried out.

The former home and patient accommodation facility, Davidson House, was a casualty of the Canterbury earthquakes. During recent years two re-purposed motels, Daffodil House and Daffodil Lodge have served as temporary offices and accommodation for cancer sufferers.

The new centre will contain 50 patient rooms, and house a range of free, wrap-around cancer support services, providing emotional support and counselling, financial, and practical help.
A collaboration hub, the centre will house the Cancer Society, and also provide a base for other cancer charities and health providers in which to work, streamline services, and create a one-stop-shop for anyone needing assistance or information.

“Having so much collaboration under the one roof is going to make a huge difference to hundreds of families experiencing cancer,” says NZCT National Grants Manager, Ben Hodges.