A new centre offering free cancer support programs has officially opened in Moncton.

Wellspring Bannon House, located on MacBeath Avenue near The Moncton Hospital, is part of the launch of Wellspring New Brunswick — the first Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation affiliate in Atlantic Canada.

Frances LeBlanc, president and chief executive officer of the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation, said the opening is the culmination of years of planning.

“To be able to bring community into and to really show them this welcoming resource center will be really gratifying,” she said.

The house was donated by Sheila Bannon in memory of her family and renovated with more than $1.1 million raised through community donations.

LeBlanc said the space combines the comfort of a home with dedicated areas for counselling, exercise therapy and group programs.

She added that the centre is designed to help patients and caregivers connect with others who share similar experiences.

“The ability to come into a space to connect with someone who’s gone through the exact same thing … just makes such an impact on people living with cancer,” she said.

Christina Smith, chief executive officer of Wellspring Canada, said the expansion brings proven cancer support programs to Atlantic Canadians for the first time.

Early offerings include relaxation and visualization, peer support, gentle yoga, nutrition workshops, and programs addressing cancer‑related fatigue and brain fog.

Services will be available in English and French, both in person and online.

LeBlanc said volunteers and staff will be on site during the week to welcome visitors and provide information.

Wellspring New Brunswick will be fully funded through the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation and the CHU Dumont Foundation, with major support from the Medavie Foundation.

Bernard Lord, chief executive officer of Medavie, said the organization is honoured to support the centre.