Evening Reflections: A Heartening Launch at the Hummingbird Centre

Tonight was simply uplifting. I had the privilege of attending the Open Evening at the Hummingbird Centre, marking the launch of their very first men’s support group—and what a remarkable evening it turned out to be.

From the moment I stepped through the doors of The Hummingbird Centre—a sanctuary nestled in Launton, just outside Bicester—I could feel the warmth in the room. It's a place known for offering sanctuary, support, and solace to those touched by cancer, providing an embrace filled with compassion, mindfulness, multifaceted therapies, and gentle refuge.

Mark and I were especially fortunate to be given a personal tour by the Centre’s founder, Mechelle Harris. Mechelle shared with us how the Hummingbird Centre began as a promise to her late father and has since grown into a community that supports so many people across Oxfordshire. Hearing her story as we walked through the different spaces—therapy rooms, counselling rooms, and the welcoming communal areas—was moving. It brought home just how much vision, determination, and love have gone into creating this place.

This new group, designed specifically for men affected by cancer or supporting those on that journey, was born from a deep understanding that men often don’t reach out for support—yet knowing it’s available can make all the difference. The Centre has thoughtfully scheduled the group to meet every first Monday of the month, from 6 pm to 8 pm, creating a welcoming space outside daytime hours—ideal for those balancing work or feeling uncertain about attending predominantly female-focused sessions.

We were greeted with smiles, refreshments, and the comforting hum of conversation—proof that this really is a safe space. It felt both informal and deeply meaningful, just as intended. There was laughter. There were nods of understanding. And there was an undeniable sense of connection.

Highlighting the evening were a few brave guests who shared their cancer journeys. Each spoke with quiet strength, vulnerability, and the resilient wit that only those who’ve walked such paths possess. Hearing their experiences, their honesty, and their resilience stirred something deeply reassuring in the room—it told us we were in safe, understanding hands.

As the evening wrapped up, what stayed with me was the sense of something quietly momentous taking root. In a world where strength is often measured in silence, here was the remarkable courage of men choosing to sit together, share, and lean on one another.

Tonight, the Hummingbird Centre didn’t just launch a new service—it ignited a hopeful new chapter. The room was filled with connection, intention, and healing possibilities. If tonight was any indication, this group will not only thrive—it will become a steadfast cornerstone of support for its members.

Here’s to courage. Companionship. And creating spaces where, no matter the journey, no one walks alone.