In 2019, Big C launched the Nearer to Home Appeal to raise funds to build a new cancer support and information centre in central Norwich.
Work has now begun on the site of the former Blockbuster DVD rental store site on the corner of Dereham Road and Douro Place. The location is accessible on foot, by bus, taxi or car from across the city and surrounding areas.
Many more people are living with and beyond cancer and they told us they would prefer not to return to the place where they were treated, but to be able to access support in a non-clinical environment. This new facility will complement Big C’s centre at the NNUH.
Repurposing this property will provide a light, calming central seating area, private rooms for one-to-one counselling and a sensory well-being garden. Once launched, the centre will offer services including counselling, support groups, specialist nurse support, bereavement and palliative care support, complementary therapies, welfare rights advice, headwear and wig services, individually tailored health and fitness programmes and a cancer resources centre. All Big C services are free of charge and available to patients, carers, family and friends.
To date £600,000 has been raised and donated for the new centre by generous local supporters, businesses, trusts and foundations. A further £150,000 is needed to complete the building and furnish the centre to the point it becomes operational.
Big C has launched a new Cancer Support and Information Centre in Great Yarmouth.
The centre was officially opened on Friday 30th July by the Deputy Mayor of Great Yarmouth, Adrian Thompson and local van graffiti artist, Ricky Minns, known as Ruddy Muddy, who created one of his unique and special artworks in honour of the occasion.
Dr Melanie Pascale, Director of Charitable Operations at Big C said “We are delighted to open our new centre in Great Yarmouth. The new ground floor building is easily accessible for all and provides a modern, welcoming space. We will be operating on an appointment basis initially to control numbers within the setting but will review this periodically.”
“We are very pleased to be able to once again offer face-to-face support for our service-users, complemented by ongoing virtual services. This is a fundamental aspect of our charity and one we know our service-users and staff have missed.”
Patients with a cancer diagnosis and their families will be able to meet with Big C’s professional nursing and information support staff for care and conversation, counselling, complementary therapies, welfare advice and family support.
The new centre is located at 25 Regent Street, NR30 1RL. It has been relocated from Big C’s previous centre in the town which was situated above the charity’s former shop further along Regent Street. To book a face to face centre appointment or to receive immediate telephone support please call 0800 092 7640.
The Big C Kings Lynn Support and Information Centre is also relocating and is due to reopen in the coming weeks.
For more information or to donate please visit https://nearertohome.co.uk/