Five Years of We Get It: Changing the Cancer Conversation in Bath

TBE talks to local cancer support charity We Get It, as the team celebrates five years of reshaping the conversation around cancer in Bath and its surrounding areas.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, we’re the first place you should turn. We Get It is a bold, honest, and fiercely supportive Bath-based charity for anyone affected by cancer — at any stage, and in any situation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, living with stage 4, in treatment, out the other side, or supporting someone you love, we’re here to help you live well with and beyond cancer. Through events, one-to-one support, community meetups and game-changing campaigns, we make sure no one faces cancer alone.

Honest and empowering

What sets We Get It apart is our honesty. We don’t tiptoe around the tough stuff — we talk openly about the realities of cancer – everything from sex to empowerment, from death and dying to embracing change. We’ve run groundbreaking campaigns like We’re More Than Just Cancer, as well as our powerful Scars for Life exhibition, celebrating the resilience of our bodies and the strength behind every scar.

During lockdown, we pivoted fast — moving support online, sending care packages, and even hosting a virtual event with the late Dame Deborah James. We became a registered charity in May 2020, and in 2023, we welcomed our first employee, Charity Manager Dee Gerrish, who has helped us grow sustainably and strategically.

In 2024, we were proud to win Charity of the Year at the Bath Life Awards — a huge recognition of the impact we’ve made in just five short years.

By the Community, For the Community

Everything we do is shaped by the people we support. Our events, support groups, and campaigns are driven by lived experience, and we’re currently forming an ambassador group of long-term members to take that to the next level.

In the past year alone, more than 860 people have attended our events — and that number is rising fast. Healthcare professionals increasingly refer their patients to us, recognising the vital emotional and social support we provide alongside their medical care.

Collaboration

For We Get It, collaboration is key, and we are proud to be at the forefront of collaboration with some important initiatives:

We have founded the Cancer Charities Development Board, bringing together key regional organisations and healthcare professionals to build a more joined-up, effective cancer support system for the region. By meeting with organisations such as Dorothy House Hospice, RUH, Macmillan, We Hear You, Citizens Advice and others, we can share best practice, resources and ideas to help more people to live well during and beyond cancer.

And the fabulous Strength in Style fashion show, held every year in September, is a testament to the power of collaboration. Raising awareness and funds for Dorothy House, Children’s Hospice South West, and We Get It, our amazing models (all affected by cancer and life limiting illnesses as patients or care givers) strut their stuff on the catwalk shining a light on the charities, local retailers and the power of sustainable fashion.

Celebrating Five Years — and Looking Ahead

This May marks our fifth birthday — and we’re celebrating with our annual 100k in May Challenge. Getting fit and raising funds for We Get It is a win/win. Keep an eye on our socials for how to get involved.

We’ve also just finalised our vision for the next five years — and it’s big. We want to reach more people across all parts of Bath, build a more diverse community, and one day open a dedicated centre: a welcoming, holistic space for anyone affected by cancer. To make that happen, we’ll need the backing of local businesses and donors — and we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to be part of making that vision a reality.

Join Us

Cancer can be lonely. We Get It makes sure it’s not. Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis, adjusting to life after treatment, or supporting a loved one, our message is simple: we are here for you.

Visit www.wegetit.org.uk or follow us on social media to find out more — and join the movement changing the cancer conversation in our region.