Ten years of the Macmillan Horizon Centre: proud to help make it possible
This November marks ten years since the Macmillan Horizon Centre opened its doors in Brighton. At Sussex Cancer Fund, we are incredibly proud to have helped turn the idea of a dedicated cancer support centre into a reality’ and to continue supporting the people, services and welcoming spaces that make it so special.
Since opening in November 2016, the Centre has supported people 288,715 times. Behind that figure are conversations, reassurance, practical advice and opportunities to connect with others who understand. It represents ten years of making everyday life a little easier for people affected by cancer across Sussex.
An idea made possible by working together
An idea made possible by working together
For many years, Sussex Cancer Fund funded counselling and complementary therapies within the Sussex Cancer Centre. We could see the difference this support made, but a lack of space limited what could be offered.
We wanted somewhere nearby where people could find support beyond their medical treatment. When the hospital identified a possible site opposite the Cancer Centre, that ambition began to take shape.
Our supporters helped us fundraise towards the build. Creating a purpose-built centre, however, needed the combined commitment, resources and expertise of Sussex Cancer Fund, the Hospital Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. Together, we could achieve something much bigger.
We were very proud to place the project in Macmillan’s capable hands, knowing that our shared ambition would be supported by its experience in helping people live well with cancer.
That willingness to work with others remains central to our ethos. We want the money raised by our Sussex community to make the greatest possible difference here, and partnerships help us do that.
A place to pause, talk and feel supported
A place to pause, talk and feel supported
Although the Horizon Centre is just across the road from the hospital, it offers a very different environment.
Its light, welcoming rooms, comfortable chairs, wood and outdoor spaces create somewhere people can relax away from a clinical setting. Visitors can have a cup of tea, talk things through, take part in an activity or simply spend a little time somewhere calm.
The Centre supports people with cancer, alongside their families, friends and carers. Its purpose is to see the whole person and provide space for the emotional, practical and financial concerns that can come with a diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards.
As one visitor says in the anniversary booklet:
“It’s a lovely environment. The moment you walk through the doors you feel safe and cared for.”
Our support continues
Our support continues
Our involvement did not end when the building opened.
Every year since opening, Sussex Cancer Fund has provided a grant of more than £60,000 towards the Centre’s running costs. This continuing commitment helps sustain a facility that so many people across Sussex rely on.
We also fund services delivered from the Horizon Centre, including medical acupuncture, vocal therapies, dance therapies and Active Outlook, our physical activity programme.
Together, these services offer different ways for people to look after their wellbeing, express themselves, stay active and access support during and after cancer treatment.
Ten years of making a difference
Ten years of making a difference
The Centre’s anniversary figures show the breadth of support provided since 2016:
- 26,185 appointments for counselling and psychological therapies.
- 17,285 appointments for complementary therapies.
- 12,462 places filled in physical activities.
- 22,196 contacts through peer support.
- 2,535 attendances at wellbeing sessions.
- 135,437 visits to the café — opportunities to relax, chat and find a friendly welcome.
Its welfare benefits service has also helped people affected by cancer access more than £10 million in benefits and grants.
Alongside this, volunteers have given over 140,000 hours of their time. Their kindness, skills and commitment are woven into the Centre’s everyday life.
A shared achievement for Sussex
A shared achievement for Sussex
In the anniversary booklet, Dr David Bloomfield, Sussex Cancer Fund Chairman and Oncology Consultant, reflects:
“As an oncology consultant, I have seen first-hand the enormous difference the Macmillan Horizon Centre has made to people affected by cancer across Sussex over the past ten years.
Sussex Cancer Fund’s role in the original vision of creating a welcoming, non-clinical space where people could find information, practical advice and emotional support away from the hospital environment. That was an ambitious project for a small local charity. It could not have been achieved without the combined expertise and resources of Macmillan Cancer Support and our NHS partners. The Horizon Centre has become an invaluable part of cancer care in Sussex today.”
He adds:
“Happy 10th anniversary – and congratulations to the whole Macmillan Horizon Centre team.”
We share that pride and gratitude. The Horizon Centre shows what can happen when the Hospital Trust, Sussex Cancer Fund, Macmillan and the many other organisations providing support work together around the needs of local people.
Thank you to our supporters, who helped fund the building and continue to make our annual grants and services possible. Thank you, too, to the fabulous staff, volunteers and service providers whose care brings the Centre to life.
Together, you have helped create a place that has made a difference for ten years, continues to do so today, and can keep supporting people across Sussex in the years ahead.
Raised in Sussex, stays in Sussex.
