A life-threatening health diagnosis can turn everything upside down. Fear, uncertainty, grief and isolation can be just as overwhelming as the physical symptoms - not only for the person diagnosed, but for their loved ones too. Too often, people are left to cope with these emotional challenges alone.

We Hear You (WHY) is there for people who need specialist emotional support at one of the most difficult moments in their lives.

Based across Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, and Wiltshire, WHY offers specialist counselling for people affected by cancer and other serious health conditions. Whether it’s an adult coming to terms with their diagnosis, a child managing the emotional impact of a parent’s illness, or a family navigating bereavement - WHY provides a safe space to talk, process and rebuild hope.

Demand for WHY’s services continues to rise, and the organisation is focused on growing sustainably so more people can access the support they need. In 2024, WHY received a £45,000 investment from Resonance’s Health & Wellbeing Challenge Fund (South West) (HWCF), supporting its financial resilience and the launch of Talkativity - a paid-for counselling service that helps protect access for those unable to pay.

The HWCF has now reached full commitment, having invested £4.9m in 52 social enterprises improving health and wellbeing outcomes across the South West. As a place-based fund, it connects social enterprises with local communities, councils and partners to strengthen regional health and resilience - ensuring support reaches the people and areas who need it most.

Over the past year, WHY delivered:

• 1,635 counselling sessions delivered to more than 350 individuals`
• Peer-led support groups attended by 185 people
•  Adults reported a 58% improvement in wellbeing after receiving support`
• Children and young people reported a 46% improvement in wellbeing after receiving support

One individual described their experience as “truly life-changing” - helping them make sense of what they were facing and find confidence that a life alongside cancer is still possible.

WHY’s journey reflects what so many social enterprises are doing today: stepping in where systems fall short, strengthening communities and improving wellbeing for thousands of people each year. Through the support of our Growing Enterprises funds, organisations like WHY are not only delivering impact now - they’re building the foundations for long-term change.

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As social enterprises like WHY continue to demonstrate their value - improving people’s health and wellbeing and strengthening the communities they serve - unlocking the capital they need to grow is essential.

One of the ways this is happening is through social impact investment funds such as Resonance’s new Enterprise Investment (REI) Fund.

Building on the success of Resonance’s SITR & Health & Wellbeing Challenge (HWCF) funds, REI enables capital to flow directly into high-impact social enterprises working within their communities to create positive change in at least one of three key impact areas:

• socio-economic inequality
• improving health and wellbeing
• supporting the transition to a lower-carbon economy.

The UK’s social enterprise sector is a vibrant, fast-growing part of the economy—delivering essential services, creating inclusive employment, and building community resilience. With structured, mission-aligned finance from initiatives like the Resonance Enterprise Investment fund, the sector is better positioned than ever to tackle systemic challenges and build a more equitable future.

We Hear You’s story is a powerful reminder of what becomes possible when capital and compassion come together.

You can read more about WHY and other investees transforming lives in the newly published Resonance Growing Enterprises 2024 Social Impact Report.