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The Mulberry Centre West London cancer charity The Mulberry Centre has been supporting cancer patients and their loved ones for the last 20 years. Executive director Raj Athwal highlights the vital work she and her colleagues do. “Our mission is to provide support for people affected by cancer who live in west and southwest London, offering practical ways to enhance physical, psychological and emotional well-being,” Raj adds. “We support people through their cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and then post-discharge. We help them re-build their lives and promote self-management. We also support carers and family members to deal with these changes.”
One of the tragic impacts of the global pandemic has been a delay in cancer screening and diagnosis. Cancer charity The Mulberry Centre, in west London, worries this problem will get worse before it gets better.
“Many people have deferred getting screened during the pandemic, and treatments and operations have been delayed,” explains Raj Athwal. “We anticipate a significant increase in the need for our services as the pandemic eases, and as people are diagnosed with more advanced stage cancers. Sadly, there is likely to be an increase in cancer deaths because of the cancer backlog, so our bereavement service will be there to support anyone who has lost a loved one.” Based on the grounds of West Middlesex University Hospital, in Isleworth, the Mulberry Centre has been helping cancer patients and their families since July 2001. Their dedicated team work closely with cancer nurse specialists at the hospital, as well as with other local hospitals, GPs, community groups and healthcare providers. This year, their volunteers have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, along with a special designation for their support during the pandemic. Over the last two decades this award-winning charity has helped over 15,000 people affected by cancer. All their services are provided free of charge.
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Some of the services offered by the centre include counselling, emotional support, legal information, end-of-life support, and complementary therapies such as massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, shiatsu and emotional freedom technique. There are meditation, yoga, and tai chi classes, and art, creative writing and book clubs. Online workshops run on topics such as cancer nutrition, managing stress, sleep management, grieving, and aromatherapy. There is also a peaceful space for relaxing and meeting up, and a tranquil garden. But now the Mulberry Centre needs support from the local community. Next summer – a year later than planned due to the pandemic – they will be marking their 21st birthday by celebrating with their many beneficiaries and the local community. The centre is asking locals to spread the word about the services they offer. They need volunteers, fundraisers and donations. And they are looking for corporate sponsors to help fund future work and birthday celebrations. Anyone interested should contact them via email (talk@themulberrycentre.co.uk) To quote Sally Smith: “Having gone through bowel cancer about 10 years ago (I really can’t remember now, which is a good sign!) I wholeheartedly recommend the Mulberry Centre – they are terrific and such a support in difficult times.” www.themulberrycentre.co.uk
Regeneration progress in Hounslow celebrated with topping out ceremony Local dignitaries including the Leader of Hounslow Council, Councillor Steve Curran, joined Barratt London on Thursday 19th August to celebrate the topping out of Kempton Tower, the tallest building at its High Street Quarter development. To mark the completion of the 27-storey tower in the centre of Hounslow, Cllr. Curran placed the final brick and was presented with a ceremonial trowel. The topping out ceremony also marked the opening of Smithy Lane, the retail aspect of the mixeduse development. Smithy Lane will comprise of 134,000 sq. ft of new commercial space, including a new 10-screen Cineworld cinema and a range of
