Age UK East Sussex and Macmillan Cancer Support – new information and advice hub launches in Hastings

18 November 2025 — jessica-bailey

We spoke with Charles Sheldon, Health and Wellbeing Team Leader for Age UK East Sussex, to learn more about their new cancer support hub, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, in the heart of Hastings. The hub supports people living with cancer as well as their loved ones and carers, and offers a listening ear and access to information and support on a range of topics.

“Age UK East Sussex and Macmillan Cancer Support have launched a vital new Information & Advice Hub at the Heart Hub in Hastings Town Centre. This joint project, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, has been running for around 10 months and aims to provide essential support to local people affected by cancer.

A central location for accessible support

The new service is based within the Hastings Heart Community Info Hub at the historic Hastings Town Hall, making support more accessible for residents of Hastings and the surrounding areas.

The move to a central town location is a direct response to community feedback, which highlighted that a town-centre setting is far more convenient than travelling to the hospital.

A compassionate team driven by lived experience

The Hub is staffed by a dedicated and compassionate team, comprised of two experienced members of staff and eight local volunteers. This team offers free, confidential, and comprehensive support to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, as well as their loved ones and carers. Importantly, many of the volunteers have been personally affected by cancer and are motivated to give back, offering support rooted in lived experience and empathy.

Underpinning this project is a strong alignment of values between the two charities. Both Age UK East Sussex and Macmillan Cancer Support are committed to ensuring people living with cancer in the local area receive high-quality services delivered with compassion and a steadfast focus on the individual needs of the people they are there to help.

What support is available?

The Hub offers a wide range of practical and emotional help, including:

1. Financial & Benefits Advice – Checking eligibility for grants, benefits, and cost-of-living support.

2. Emotional Support – Providing a listening ear and a safe space to discuss concerns.

3. Signposting – Connecting people to local community groups, care services, and specialist resources.

4. Macmillan Information – Access to a wide library of printed and digital information on living with and beyond cancer.

Community impact

This new Hub is a game-changer for cancer support in Hastings. Working with Macmillan, we’ve placed vital information and compassionate advice right in the heart of the community, easily reachable for those who need it most.

Navigating a cancer diagnosis is overwhelming, but the most rewarding part of this work is supporting people at such a difficult time with small, practical bits of information that can have a significant, positive effect on the quality of their life. We are proud to be expanding this crucial partnership and making a tangible difference locally.

Here’s a testimonial from one of our clients:

“I would like to thank all the Macmillan team at the Hastings Community Hub. 

Once I had received my cancer diagnosis I was overwhelmed with anxiety and worry. I struggled to accept my diagnosis and couldn’t make sense of my treatment plan. There was lots of questions that I needed to ask once I had got over the initial shock and thigs had begun to sunk in. 

I popped into the hub having seen a poster advertising your service in my GP surgery. I found the volunteer friendly and welcoming. 

You were able to listen to my concerns and discuss my upcoming treatment. It really helped to be able to talk things through, consider my options and speak openly about how I was coping – as I was feeling afraid and emotional. 

I found your service really supportive and full of good ideas and practical advice. I did go along to the local support group as suggested and found it most helpful to meet up with others  in a similar situation, which for me was reassuring as I didn’t feel so alone. We shared our experiences and this did help to alleviate some of my worries. 

My husband called the money advisors that you suggested and they provided me with information regarding help with travel costs and financial assistance with my health costs (including help with wigs which I was able to access on the NHS Low Income Scheme). 

Since finding you at the hub, I have popped in throughout my treatment – there is always a warm welcome waiting for me and a friendly chat over a cup of tea. 

I have now completed all my treatment – Phew! I have now been given the ‘all clear’ – and hopefully can now regain some normality, get back to work and get on with my life! 

I want you to know that the service that you provide really does ‘make a difference’ – Thank you for being there, you really have helped me to navigate some difficult decisions and assisted me throughout this distressing time.”

When and how to visit

The Macmillan Information & Advice Hub is currently open on Wednesdays from 10am to 4pm as a friendly, drop-in service — no appointment necessary.

You can read more about the services offered by Age UK East Sussex on their site here. To find similar services in your area, please search on Cancer Care Map’s homepage using your postcode.