THE new home of one of the town's most loved charities is set to throw open its doors before the end of the month.

Romsey Cancer Support Centre will officially open its new base on August 22.

Scores of residents and businesses have stepped in to volunteer their time and resources to help extend the new Jane Scarth House.

The charity's move from its current site will take it to a building less than 100 feet behind. This is part of a decision to make the centre more accessible to a wider number of locals.

The work carried out has included building an extension and interior improvements to accommodate the people they support living with or affected by cancer, free of charge.

The current building, Jane Scarth House, is spread over two floors, with a befriending room – where people can come in off the street and talk to someone – a counselling room and a therapy room.

But, the new building will be on just one floor, providing more accessiblity for many of the charity’s disabled clients.

And now the charity has received £4,950 to fund an additional day a week of specialist counselling appointments.

The donation was provided by the Santander Foundation, which offers Discovery Grants to UK registered charities for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

Anne Campbell, Centre Manager at Romsey Cancer Support Centre, Jane Scarth House said: “When a client requests our counselling services, it is so important that they are able to make an appointment and be seen quickly. Because of this wonderful grant, more people will be able to benefit from this valuable service.”

Jane Scarth House provides emotional support, practical help and information to those affected by cancer and their families. All of the services are free of charge and include specialist counselling, complementary therapies, and a comprehensive information service and mindfulness or meditation practice. The charity also provides counselling and support for bereaved clients as well as Macmillan HOPE courses for patients who have completed their treatment.

The grant will be used to fund an additional day per week of specialist counselling. This is provided free of charge. The organisation’s services are in high demand and last year the centre welcomed 311 new clients. These funds will ensure that more people can access the support that they require very quickly.

Adam Sherman, Branch Director at Santander’s Poole Branch, added: “The Romsey Cancer Support Centre - Jane Scarth House is so important to my family and me, having been founded in memory of my wife’s late mum, Jane. Having personally met the majority of the team at the centre I can say with confidence that their passion for what they do is inspirational. Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the local community and we are delighted to be able to support the charity. Jane also used to work at Abbey National so it is lovely to think that the company she worked for is supporting the charity founded in her memory.”