THE Haven breast cancer centre is reaching more people with its services, thanks to the Hereford Times.

For the charity has used a £1,475 grant from the paper's owners to buy new equipment.

It means more people can be reached, more training can be provided, and more funds can be raised for the vital work that it does.

Based in St Owen’s Street, the Haven has been providing support to anyone affected by breast cancer since 2004.

Therapy sessions are designed to help deal with the severe physical and psychological difficulties of breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Earlier this year the charity was awarded a grant from the charitable trust run by the American owners of the Hereford Times, Gannett

With it the charity bought a portable therapy couch; extra large portable medical screen; projector, carry case & lead; and a table top display board.

And with it the charity can:

• Hold outreach and information days in the community to promote and encourage uptake of our breast cancer support services.

• Maximise the limited space available within our centre and provide a temporary private therapy/consultation area for an urgent referral.

• Provide training and information days both for our visitors and also health care professionals

• Promote our services at local events to increase both uptake of our services and fundraising opportunities

According to Karen Yates, Instutional Giving Officer for the Haven for the West Midlands and Hereford, the equipment is in frequent use and ' we don’t quite know how we managed previously without it!'