Tucked within the grounds of West Middlesex University Hospital sits a vital local charity making a profound difference to people across Richmond upon Thames and West London. The Mulberry Centre is an independent, award‑winning cancer support charity that has spent the last 25 years supporting individuals and families affected by cancer and its work is now more important than ever.
While cancer treatment often focuses on physical care, the emotional, psychological and practical impacts can be just as significant. A diagnosis can bring anxiety, isolation, financial strain and a loss of identity - challenges that don’t simply disappear when treatment ends. The Mulberry Centre exists to meet these needs, offering free, holistic support to anyone affected by cancer: patients, carers, family members and those who are bereaved.
Making a Local Impact
In 2024/25 alone, The Mulberry Centre supported 1,555 unique individuals, recording over 10,000 service attendances. Importantly for the Richmond community, more than 300 Richmond residents accessed the Centre’s services during that period and demand continues to grow.
Support is open to anyone over 18, with no referral required and minimal waiting times for many services. The Centre welcomes people at all stages of their cancer journey: from diagnosis and treatment, to recovery, living with secondary cancer, end‑of‑life care and bereavement.
What truly sets The Mulberry Centre apart is the breadth of its offer. Clients can access professional counselling and coaching, complementary therapies such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology, wellbeing classes including yoga, Pilates and tai chi, creative and social activities, practical workshops, welfare and benefits advice, and specialist end‑of‑life support through the Centre’s Soul Midwife service. All support is tailored through an initial one‑to‑one assessment, ensuring each person receives what they need most.
Feedback from clients speaks volumes. One Richmond resident described returning to work after cancer as “daunting” and credited support from The Mulberry Centre with helping her regain confidence and clarity. Another client undergoing chemotherapy said that simply walking through the Centre’s doors helped her feel “safe, seen and supported” at a time of overwhelming uncertainty.
Across services, 96% of clients report improved emotional wellbeing, and 99% rate the Centre as good or excellent.
A Charity Rooted in the Community
The Mulberry Centre was founded in response to an unmet local need. Before its opening in 2001, there was no dedicated cancer support service in West London. Established by people with lived experience of cancer, the Centre became an independent registered charity in 2005 and remains just that today.
Although based on NHS grounds, it receives no core statutory funding. Everything the Centre provides is made possible through charitable income, grants, individual donations and corporate support. In 2026, The Mulberry Centre celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter‑century of community‑led care and compassion.
Volunteers are central to its success. Last year alone, 170 volunteers contributed nearly 12,000 hours, supporting everything from therapies and counselling to community outreach and administrative support. Many staff, volunteers and trustees have personal experience of cancer, creating a culture of deep empathy and understanding.
The Centre was recently recognised as Best Health and Wellbeing Business 2026 at the West London Business Awards - a meaningful acknowledgement of the professionalism, impact and value of its work.
How Local Businesses Can Get Involved
For businesses in Richmond upon Thames, there are numerous ways to support The Mulberry Centre and in doing so, directly impact local people.
Businesses can choose the Centre as their Charity of the Year, make one‑off or regular donations, sponsor services or events, or support fundraising initiatives. Employee volunteering is also welcomed, whether through practical support, event assistance or professional skills‑based volunteering. The Centre regularly works with corporate partners to create meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that align charitable impact with employee wellbeing, ESG goals and community engagement.
2026 offers particularly exciting opportunities to get involved. The Mulberry Centre has a full programme of 25th anniversary events, including community fundraisers, a Corporate Golf Day on 11 June at Fulwell Golf Club, a landmark anniversary concert with the Richmond Orchestra on 16 May, and a celebratory Gala Ball on 26 September at The Clayton Hotel in Chiswick. These events provide excellent opportunities for sponsorship, team participation and networking - all while supporting a cause with tangible local impact.
Why Supporting Local Matters
The Mulberry Centre’s work highlights something that many businesses recognise: strong communities rely on collaboration. As cancer diagnoses rise and cost‑of‑living pressures increase, demand for free, accessible support continues to grow. Local charities like The Mulberry Centre fill critical gaps, complementing NHS care and ensuring no one has to face cancer alone.
By supporting organisations rooted in the community, businesses help sustain services that directly benefit local employees, customers, suppliers and their families.
As The Mulberry Centre looks ahead to its next chapter, its focus remains clear: reaching more people, strengthening partnerships across Richmond and West London, and ensuring that everyone affected by cancer knows that help is available.
For businesses seeking a meaningful way to give back locally, The Mulberry Centre offers the chance to make a real and lasting difference right on your doorstep.
For those wishing to learn more or get involved please:
