Creating a Calmer Space for Counselling at the Sussex Cancer Centre

At Sussex Cancer Fund, we know that improving cancer care is not always about major equipment or large-scale projects. Sometimes the environment in which care is delivered can make a significant difference to how people feel during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

We are delighted to have funded the revamp of the counselling room at the Sussex Cancer Centre in Brighton, helping to transform the space into a more welcoming, comfortable and less clinical environment for patients and their families.

Counselling and psychological support play an important role in cancer care. Whether someone is coming to terms with a diagnosis, managing the emotional impact of treatment, or supporting a loved one, having a calm and supportive environment can help people feel more at ease during sensitive conversations.

The refreshed room has been carefully designed to create a warmer and more relaxing atmosphere, providing a space where patients and family members can feel comfortable and supported. Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people already commenting on the difference the redecoration has made.

Laura Pritchard, Macmillan Lead for Psychological Therapies, said:

“We are extremely grateful to Sussex Cancer Fund for funding the redecoration of the counselling room at the Sussex Cancer Centre. The room has been transformed into a more relaxed and welcoming space, designed to provide greater comfort and a less clinical atmosphere for patients and their family members. Many people have already commented on the significant difference the redecoration has made.

It is so important that counselling takes place in a space that feels comfortable, calm and non-clinical, helping patients and families feel more at ease during difficult conversations and support sessions. This redecoration has greatly enhanced the environment and helped create a space that better supports the wellbeing of everyone who uses it.”

Projects such as this demonstrate how charitable funding can make a real and immediate difference to the experience of people affected by cancer across Sussex. By working closely with NHS teams, Sussex Cancer Fund is able to support improvements that enhance care, wellbeing and comfort alongside treatment itself.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we can continue investing in facilities, services, equipment and research that help improve the experience of cancer care for local people, ensuring that money raised in Sussex stays in Sussex.