As part of Elovate’s commitment to supporting York Against Cancer (YAC) as one of our Charities of the Year, Kevin and Ian recently had the opportunity to visit the Leveson Centre, a vital hub of support for cancer patients and their families. Opened in February 2023, the centre offers a wide range of services for people across North and East Yorkshire, providing a place of comfort, connection, and care.
A warm and welcoming space for support
Kevin shared his first impressions of the centre:
“On entering, it felt really calm and welcoming. The main area has a massive table and a kitchen, making it feel like you’re just sitting in someone’s house, chatting over coffee. It was designed this way to help people feel comfortable and able to talk about anything—not just cancer.”
They were warmly greeted by Debbie Smith, the Leveson Centre manager, whose knowledge and caring nature created an immediate sense of reassurance. “Debbie, who is the front-of-house, has a wealth of experience caring for cancer patients and was more than happy to answer any questions,” Kevin noted.
Spaces designed for comfort and support
The centre offers various areas tailored to different needs. There are two treatment rooms available, offering a range of free complementary therapies, providing a cosy and relaxing space to unwind. Ian reflected on the personal impact of such a space:
“I, along with my sister, would have found this very helpful in 2007 when we lost our father to pancreatic cancer.”
Another standout feature is the comfortable sitting area, with a bookcase and a quiet cubby hole for those who need a moment alone. Kevin remarked, “It felt like a really chilled-out zone to relax and de-stress.”
Support services for patients and families
York Against Cancer provides a wide range of services to support people living with cancer, including:
- Coffee mornings – Every Wednesday from 10am to 12:30pm, the centre hosts relaxed coffee mornings where people affected by cancer can chat, share experiences, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment.
- One-to-one support – The Leveson Centre offers personal support, including free psychological services led by Rebecca, a chartered clinical psychologist, with the help of therapy dog Luna, who provides comfort to young people with family members going through cancer.
- Health and exercise – Cancer patients can access six free complementary therapy sessions, designed to enhance well-being and promote relaxation.
A place that makes a difference
The overall impression from the visit was clear:
“What an amazing space for patients and their families to visit—to learn, chat, and join in various activities run by caring volunteers. I so wish this had been available when I went through this,” Kevin reflected.
Charlotte Wainwright, external relations manager at YAC, emphasised the charity’s impact:
“I have spent a lot of time talking to cancer patients and their loved ones and have seen first-hand just what a difference this support makes. As we’re a small charity, I’m able to get involved with most aspects of our work, which is something I really enjoy. It’s wonderful to work with a group of people who are dedicated to doing everything we can to support people affected by cancer in our region.”
York Against Cancer is making a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, and at Elovate, we’re proud to support their vital work.
For more information about their services and how you can get involved, visit:
➡️ www.yorkagainstcancer.org.uk/.
