A centre set up by four local woman with cancer, has officially launched the opening of its newly refurbished building.
Cancer Lifeline, on Alliance Avenue in North Belfast, has been helping families and individuals facing cancer since 1999. Reopening in March 2021, an extension into a neighbouring property and refurbishment of the existing base has been hailed by the team.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Christina Black visited the centre this week to hear about the impact of the investment and to learn more about the work that is done at Cancer Lifeline.
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The team provided one-to-one support for 6,641 individuals and families affected by cancer last year compared to 3,639 prior to the upgrade of the premises, thanks to an £890,000 investment by Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities.
Councillor Black said: "It is an absolute pleasure to visit Cancer Lifeline’s amazing new premises and hear about the impact this investment has had. Since it first opened in 1999, the centre has been a haven for individuals and families facing a cancer diagnosis. The incredible team here provide invaluable emotional and physical support as people go through their cancer journey and treatment regimes.
"While we weren’t able to mark the opening of the centre in the way we would have liked to last year due to Covid restrictions, I am delighted that today’s event has been organised to allow the team to properly celebrate its success and pay tribute to the staff and volunteer committee who provide a fantastic service to the community."
Minister for Communities, Deirdre Hargey, said: "Cancer Lifeline is a project that my Department has supported over many years. The opportunity to contribute just over £296,000 to renovations of the new premises and on-going funding through the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme enables the Board, staff and volunteers to support cancer patients and their families at a very difficult time in their lives and is an invaluable service to many."
The chairperson of Cancer Lifeline said the centre has come from "very humble beginning".
"The centre was originally set up by four local women, all cancer patients," Bernadette Montgomery added.
"From very humble beginnings, Cancer Lifeline has gone on to support thousands of people over the years. I’m very proud of how far we have come, and I am also very proud of these new premises which will enable us to continue our work supporting cancer patients and their families as they navigate what is often the most difficult periods in their lives."
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