Why One Vision started a Cancer Champions Programme
Every two minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. Cancer significantly impacts life quality and expectancy, especially in deprived neighbourhoods and for people from ethnically diverse communities, who tend to be diagnosed later and have worse cancer experiences and outcomes.
Our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support developed from identifying a need for proactive, collaborative engagement to level the playing field when it comes to local cancer care. An essential part of our programme is to put people’s needs and experiences at the heart of what we do.
Why we chose Watford and Three Rivers for the Cancer Champions Programme
Our Cancer Champions Programme aims to tackle health inequalities by raising awareness and providing support for those affected by cancer. Watford and the Three Rivers District have been chosen as key areas for this initiative for several compelling reasons:
Diverse
Communities
Watford and Three Rivers are home to a rich tapestry of cultures, ethnicities, and faiths. This diversity is a strength, offering a unique opportunity to engage a wide range of community groups. By focusing our efforts here, we can ensure that our outreach is inclusive and far-reaching, addressing the needs of various under-served populations who might otherwise lack access to vital cancer support services.
Identified Health Inequalities
Health disparities in Watford and Three Rivers highlight the need for targeted intervention. Certain communities in this region experience lower rates of cancer screening and higher barriers to accessing healthcare services. We aim to bridge these gaps, promoting early diagnosis and comprehensive care for all residents and with a focus on South Asian & Black communities.
Strong Community Networks
Watford and Three Rivers are known for their active and engaged structures that provide a solid foundation for our Cancer Champions Programme. By collaborating with local faith groups, community organisations and public health departments, we can effectively disseminate information, support those affected by cancer, and mobilise volunteers to become Community Cancer Champions.
Supportive Local Councils
The local Councils in Watford and Three Rivers have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving public health and reducing health inequalities. This supportive environment makes it an ideal location for our Cancer Champions Programme, as it allows for collaborative efforts between our initiative, local authorities and other healthcare providers.
How you can help us
We invite local people, including those from faith and community groups, to join us in this critical effort. We are developing a network of volunteers who will help us to deliver our Programme. Your support will help to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of our community. For more information on our activities, please see below.
Who are our Team
Volunteers: Become a Cancer Champion
We’re developing a network of Cancer Champion volunteers to help us to deliver our Cancer Programme and provide information on cancer symptoms and local support.
Volunteers will:
– Engage in awareness activities
– Signpost people to relevant services
– Encourage open discussions about cancer to dispel myths and stigma
The role is voluntary and flexible, with full training and ongoing support provided. Anyone aged 18+ can apply. Skills needed include respect for others’ values and cultures, good communication and a desire to help. You don’t need any formal qualifications.
Role Profile - Community Engagement Volunteer
For Volunteer Appplication
We would love to have you join our Cancer Champions volunteer community. If you want to find out more, please contact our Volunteer Managers – priyanka@ovwatford.org & abhha@ovwatford.org
Our Activities
Individual Support
We offer compassionate and inclusive support for those diagnosed with cancer and their families, addressing financial, emotional, cultural and information needs. We connect individuals to other resources including those provided by Macmillan Cancer Support and One Vision. If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us today.
Focus Groups
We gather community feedback through conversations and focus groups to understand people’s experiences with cancer services. This feedback will help shape better services for the future.
Training
We provide training to healthcare providers, faith leaders, social housing providers and others on cultural sensitivities and barriers to cancer care, thus improving patient experiences especially for ethnic communities.
Awareness Sessions
We run sessions to raise awareness about cancer and encourage screenings. We can bring awareness events to community gatherings, providing preventative information to reduce late diagnoses.
Events and Activities
Based on community needs, we partner with other organisations to provide or facilitate activities supporting those impacted by cancer.
For more information, follow us on social media or contact us directly.
Who oversees our Cancer Champions Programme
Our Programme is funded for three years by Macmillan Cancer Support. This national charity provides services for people living with cancer at every stage of their cancer experience. Our work is overseen and supported by a team from Macmillan Cancer Support.
We also have a Watford and Three Rivers Cancer Champions Advisory Group (CAG). This is a group of professionals, volunteers, community leaders and experts, who meet quarterly with us to review our work and support us. The Terms of Reference and aims of the CAG are here.