What we do

The Hummingbird is a place to feel warmth and support, to learn and to feel as well and happy as you can during your cancer journey. We support your support network too.

Men's Monthly Support Group

A monthly support group for men who have been impacted by cancer either themselves or by supporting loved ones.

To find out more get in touch below. 

Children's Support

Whether on a cancer journey themselves or seeing a loved one battling cancer, we support children aged 4+ with their feelings and questions.

Our dedicated play therapist runs play sessions plus one-to-one and small group counselling for children. Invaluable for kids and families.

Download the referral form below and on completion please email to  info@thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk

You can find out more information in our Children’s Support Brochure below.

Complementary Therapies

It’s hard to feel your true self when cancer is ruling your body. Take time out for a bit of pampering with an Indian head massage, reflexology, Reiki or sound therapy session.

Our complementary therapies are available for people with cancer and those caring for them. We want your mind to be in the best place to support the body through all the challenges you face.

Free Treatments & Suggested Donations

We will continue to provide 6 free treatments for any of the services that we offer. For any further bookings after your 6 free ones there will be a suggested donation of £20.00. We will always take into consideration our guests’ financial circumstances, we do not wish anyone to feel that they have to miss out on any of our treatments due to cost.

Get in touch with one of our team to book an appointment.

Reiki is an ancient form of hands-on therapy. It is a Japanese word which means ‘universal life force energy’.

This therapy, which is non-intrusive, can offer you a wonderful way to truly relax. Reiki is normally given to guests lying down on the treatment couch, no massage is involved and you remain fully clothed. The therapist acts as a channel for this life force energy, which the recipient of the treatment draws via the therapist, activating the body’s natural ability to heal itself and working to create a state of balance wherever it is needed, the mind, body and spirit.

This is an excellent treatment to reduce tension and everyday stress and can help restore your sense of well-being. Massage therapy is a system which works by stroking, kneading, tapping or pressing the soft tissues of the body and aims to relax you both mentally and physically. It can also help lift your mood, improve your sleep and enhance your well-being. The therapist may massage your whole body or concentrate on a specific part such as your head, neck or shoulders. Some types of massage may also gently stretch parts of your body to release stiffness.

Every Thursday, The Hummingbird Centre runs a T’ai Chi session from 11.00am. There is a little bit of information shared about the origins, purpose and evidence-based benefits to be gained, plus opportunities to ask questions. The sessions are usually 45 minutes to an hour and there is no need to book.

No special clothing is needed, just be comfortable loose-fitting clothes to let you move. Soft soled shoes or going bare foot works best but you can wear whatever is comfortable for you. Both practices are adaptable for all ages and abilities.

You will experience a selection of movements from either T’ai Chi moving meditation or the beautiful flowing movement sequence Shibashi Qigong. We all move in our own way, seated or standing with the aim of relaxing the body, calming the mind and connecting with each other in a peaceful space.

As we create different sounds with different instruments, you can relax and switch off. We have known many of our guests to fall asleep during these sessions. You have nothing else to think about other than the sounds of the instruments.

We suggest that you go into the session without any thoughts about what it’s about and we promise you will want to book for next time. All that we ask is that you trust us.

Every Wednesday we run a mindfulness/meditation class which is about living more in the present moment, appreciating the here and now and not dwelling too much on the past or future.

Whilst we have some control over the present, we cannot go back and change things that have already happened. We also have less control over future events than we might think. This means we can spend a lot of energy worrying when it could be more beneficial to focus on and enjoy what is happening right now.

Mindful living means paying attention to the present, appreciating what is happening and enjoying the simple things in life. This can help us to feel calmer, reduce stress or anxiety, sleep better and might help us cope better with difficult situations.

SENI in Oxford offers treatments including nipple reconstruction and tattoos following hair loss. Guests of  The Hummingbird Centre are being offered a free consultation at their clinic in Headington, Oxford.

To book a consultation please contact:
Info@senioxford.co.uk
Tel: 07958461486

For more information click on the links below.

Cosmetic tattooing for hair loss

Medical tattooing after breast cancer

www.senioxford.co.uk

On these days, we are joined by Chrissy from Nicola Jane who will see ladies for a private 1:1 consultation, giving you the opportunity to look, feel and try the products as well as being able to ask any questions pre- and post-surgery.

To book your appointment please contact them direct on 01243537300. Alternatively, visit their website at https://www.nicolajane.com

Reflexology is a complementary therapy, which uses non-invasive techniques that applies gentle pressure to your feet or hands. It aims to bring about a state of relaxation and help
the body’s own healing process.

Reflexologists believe there are certain points on the feet and hands which correspond to the body’s glands and organs. By pressing or applying pressure to special massaging points,
the reflexologist hopes to influence the energy pathways, organs and systems they represent.

Clients report many benefits such as less anxiety, better focus and less muscle tension. The therapy focuses on the head, neck and shoulders. It uses soft pressure, massage and acupressure to target key energy points. These techniques are said to improve physical and emotional well-being.

  • Alleviates symptoms of migraines and tension headaches.
  • Enhances hair growth and improves lymphatic flow.
  • Replenishes energy levels, helping combat fatigue.
  • Improves symptoms of insomnia and sinusitis.
  • Enhances brain function, especially concerning memory and focus.
  • Reduces anxiety and stress levels effectively.
  • Promotes a sense of relaxation and mental clarity

Crystal therapy is a holistic and alternative therapy that uses crystals and gemstones to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Many of our guests feel that the crystals have helped with their balance and energy, as well as helping with relaxation.

There are many benefits of learning Martial Arts with our experienced Sensei Master, who encourages any age, gender and ability to take part. Peope often think its about self-defense when actually it is so much more; here are some of the reasons why weve introduced the practice of Martial Arts to The Hummingbird.

• Improved physical health
• Increased flexibility
• Lowering of blood pressure and heart rate
• Enhanced mental well-being
• Enhanced focus and concentration
• Increased self cpnfidence
• Inproved coordination

You do not need to book, just wear comfortable clothing and join us for some time out and of course, a bit of laughter and fun too.

Our freestyle dance sessions offer a fun, supportive space to move your body in your own way—no steps to follow, just music, freedom, and expression. It’s a chance to let go of stress, reconnect with yourself, and enjoy the healing power of movement. Everyone is welcome, and no dance experience is needed.

Becky offers a unique wellbeing service that combines her eight years of experience as a counsellor with somatic healing practices through vinyasa, restorative, and trauma-informed yoga. Recognising the transformative power of embodied movement, Becky integrates yoga into her work to support individuals on their journey from stress and survival to calm and restoration. Each offering is designed to be therapeutic, empowering, and deeply supportive, helping you regulate your nervous system, build inner strength, improve flexibility, and release stored tension. Classes are held at The Hummingbird Centre.

Arts & Crafts

We have a varied timetable of arts and crafts sessions open to everyone. It’s a great way to focus on something different, have some fun and chat with people who understand what you’re going through.

Our sessions are run by talented artists, enthusiastic volunteers and sometimes our guests. Add art therapy and journaling to your cancer journey toolbox.

Counselling

Our counsellors are trained and experienced to help you cope with all stages of your cancer journey. We will chat through your needs and then match you with the best counsellor.

Free Sessions & Suggested Donations

  • First 12 sessions Free of charge
  • 12 to 24 sessions a charge of £20.00 per session
  • 24 to 48 sessions a charge of £30.00 per session

We will always take into account our guest’s financial circumstances as it’s important to us that we always strive to enable our guests to move forward and come to terms with the challenges that they face or have faced due to the impact of being affected by cancer.

Wig and Hair Workshops at The Hummingbird

The Hummingbird Centre looks forward to welcoming Audrey from Holistic Hair, who will be holding every month one to one private consultations for anyone who is looking for some guidance and advice about wigs and hair loss.  The appointments will consist of:

  • Wigs & wig options
  • Wig cap construction
  • Scalp care tips
  • Navigating hair loss
  • Caring for your hair as it returns
  • Cutting your hair and that of your wig
  • General hints and tips

If you would like to book an appointment, please email info@thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk.

Men's Support Group

Our Men’s Support Group works a little differently. We provide the venue and facilities, while the group decides what they would like to do. They also have their own WhatsApp group, where everyone can help plan each month’s activities and reach out to one another when needed.

One comment from our male guest who is a big advocate of the Men’s Support Group commented once, “Yes I have cancer and yes its sucks hence the tee-shirt but coming here I can be me, have a laugh, feel herd and I’m loud, but this place saved me and my family, I’ve now reached out to the centre for counselling and support, every Thursday I pop in to say hello” 

What brings the men together is that we are separate from the medical world, giving them their own space to talk about their journey if they wish, or simply spend time with others who understand. The journey can feel lonely, even when surrounded by family and friends.

We meet the 1st Monday of the month you do not need to book just turn up; it’s a relaxed, safe, open, and honest environment for you to be you. 

Themes the group has chosen so far include Curry and Quiz Night, Bake Off, Cheese and Wine Tasting, Ready Steady Cook Night, and a BBQ planned for later in the year. As you can see, food is a popular theme.

After fund raising by our guests there is now a pool table and darts area, as well as on the night a bottle or two of non-acholic beer just to help the evening along as well as alternative refreshments. 

Celebrant and Pastoral Support

Our volunteer Celebrants offer pastoral support at the Hummingbird Centre, holding talks and one-to-one sessions with guests.

Sue Clark, who provides pastoral support, says “One thing that is certain in this life is that we are going to pass to spirit. People who use The Hummingbird Centre are likely to think about their mortality and may want to prepare for the inevitable. I just want to help people to ensure nothing is left unsaid”.

To find out more get in touch below. 

Our Values Include

Inclusivity

Everybody should feel welcome.

Strength

We are here to hold you up when you need it the most.

Compassion

It’s okay not to be okay.

Commitment

We are committed to support as many people as we can to the best of our abilities and we are always looking at ways to improve.

Mission Statement

To relieve the mental and physical sickness of persons diagnosed with a form of cancer by the provision of support services for such persons and their families.