In early 2024, We Hear You (WHY), a small cancer counselling charity based in Frome, faced the devastating prospect of shutting down. The organisation needed to raise £55,000 by April to continue providing its essential services, a target that seemed daunting for the modest charity.
Thanks to an outpouring of generosity from local residents and a series of successful fundraising campaigns, WHY has not only met its goal but secured its future. Joseph Cleaver, head of counselling at WHY, reflected on the challenging period: “It was a really difficult time, and we were genuinely concerned that we would need to close as a charity.”
Joseph, who has dedicated 25 years to social care, expressed his gratitude for the community’s response: “The support has been incredible. Even now, people continue to send messages expressing how glad they are that we’re staying. It’s been truly wonderful.”
READ MORE: ‘Superb’ BBC True Crime Drama Filmed in Somerset Based on Shocking True Story
READ MORE: UK Heatwave Maps Forecast Four-Day Hot Spell in Somerset and Beyond
WHY offers crucial counselling services to individuals with cancer and their loved ones throughout the Somerset area. Operating costs exceed £5,000 weekly, and as a small, independent charity, WHY heavily depends on public donations and grants from councils, church groups, and rotary clubs.
Joseph highlighted the challenges faced by smaller charities: “It’s far more difficult for small charities. We’re less well known and have a more limited reach. Maintaining funding just to keep our services running has been really tough.”
To adapt and survive, WHY has expanded its service delivery to include more online counselling sessions alongside traditional face-to-face appointments, helping to manage costs while meeting increasing demand.
CEO Lucy Kitchener noted that while funding has decreased, the need for their services has grown: “People have less money to donate, meaning we’re working harder for less. The demand is rising, service users’ needs are more complex, and they struggle to access other services.”
This positive turnaround comes shortly after the inauguration of the new Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) Centre at Frome Medical Centre, which has already treated 200 patients. The centre complements the support WHY provides, creating a stronger network of care for cancer patients in the community.
We Hear You’s survival is a testament to the power of community spirit and highlights the ongoing need for support of vital health charities in Somerset.