A NEW cancer support centre is going from strength to strength and is "moving forward at a rate of knots".

The Wessex Cancer Trust’s Salisbury Support Centre is based at Beckett House in Bridge Street and celebrated its official opening last month.

It provides support and information for those whose lives have been affected by cancer - offering counselling and therapies such as massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture, free of charge, and befriending.

"Footfall is building up and our therapists are fully booked most weeks," said support centre manager Jackie Newman. "We are moving forward quite well at a rate of knots and making good links with the community."

Support available at the centre is not just available for those who have received a cancer diagnosis but is also for family members or close friends affected.

Since opening the centre has been developing the services it has to offer.

It has started running Welcome Wednesday coffee mornings on the first Wednesday of every month from 10.30am to 12noon. The informal events give people a chance to find out more about the centre and the services it provides.

On Thursday, June 22, a Laughter Yoga coffee morning is being held with Marie Ange Gondzalez, which can help with lymphatic drainage.

The centre is also looking at starting free cookery classes for anyone affected by cancer. Anyone Can Cook have offered to run the cookery courses and Waitrose have also expressed an interested in getting involved.

The classes are due to start from September. The centre is asking anyone interested in taking part to get in touch.

And on July 19, a fundraising wellbeing and pamper day is being held from 10.30pm to 3pm. The entry cost will include two, 25 minute treatments.

The centre is looking for beauty therapists who can spare some time to support the event by offering different treatments during the day. Businesses who would like to donate raffle prizes are also asked to come forward.

Jackie says she has been overwhelmed by the response of the community in Salisbury, adding: "I want to say a big thank you to the people of Salisbury, something that has come across to me is how much people want to support their local cancer care. They are very generous with their time and in coming forward to make links with us.

"I am so humbled and inspired by the people of Salisbury."

Those wishing to access the services, get involved with the above events or find out more about becoming a volunteering befriender or fundraising for the charity can drop into the centre between 10am and 3pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays. Alternatively, call 01722 421 781 or email jackie.newman@wessexcancer.org.uk